fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON TROMBONE

C Dorian

Minor with a raised 6th — the wistful folk / modal-jazz mode. So Long, Marianne; Eleanor Rigby; modal jazz on m7 chords.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
Choose a root
Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 5 title C Dorian
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 2 4 6 8 title C Dorian
Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: tonejs-instruments by Nick Brosowsky (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
C1234567partial 3
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — C sounds partial 3
partial 1 — F1 (+0¢)1partial 2 — F2 (+0¢)2partial 3 — C3 (+2¢)3partial 4 — F3 (+0¢)4partial 5 — A3 (-14¢)5partial 6 — C4 (+2¢)6partial 7 — D♯4 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — F4 (+0¢)8partial 9 — G4 (+4¢)9partial 10 — A4 (-14¢)10partial 11 — B4 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — C5 (+2¢)12
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
Compare with
Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C Dorian scale?

The C Dorian scale uses the notes C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Dorian scale formula?

The Dorian scale follows the interval pattern W H W W W H W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on C to get the C Dorian scale.

What chords work over C Dorian?

Dorian works over m7 chords and the minor-mode 'modal jazz' II–V–I substitute. Think 'So What' over D Dorian.

How do I finger C Dorian on Trombone?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Dorian scale?

Minor with a raised 6th — the wistful folk / modal-jazz mode. So Long, Marianne; Eleanor Rigby; modal jazz on m7 chords.