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