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 1 to fret 4, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C♯ dorian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the G string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C♯ dorian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the G string at fret 6 and the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C♯ dorian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
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 C♯m–B–F♯. Its major sixth suits rock and metal lines. Try it over C♯ minor or C♯ 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits at string 4, fret 6 and string 1, fret 4, covering frets 1–4.
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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.