Explore scales · Ukulele
C dorian scale on ukulele
C dorian uses C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭. Its raised sixth separates it from C natural minor.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the C dorian scale on ukulele?
C dorian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C dorian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C dorian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C dorian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
C dorian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
C dorian is the second mode of B♭ major, sharing the same notes but centering on C. The raised A distinguishes it from C natural minor, whose sixth is A♭. This major sixth gives the scale its characteristic brightness over a minor tonic.
When to use it
C dorian fits C minor and C 5th chords, and works over progressions like Cm–B♭–F. Its major sixth suits jazz and blues lines. Try it over C minor or C 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits at string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3, covering frets 0–3.
Common questions
Which notes are in C dorian?
C dorian contains C, D, E♭, F, G, A, and B♭. The A is the major sixth that separates it from C natural minor. Use these notes over C minor chords.
What chords does C dorian work over?
C dorian works over C minor and C 5th chords. It also fits progressions using B♭ major and F major. The scale's major sixth adds brightness to minor vamps.
How does C dorian differ from C natural minor?
C dorian raises the sixth degree from A♭ to A. This single change creates a major sixth interval from the tonic. The raised sixth gives the scale its characteristic brightness.