Guiter
BetaA Dorian
A minor mode with a raised 6th degree. Widely used in jazz, funk, and progressive rock.
Scale Notes
W-H-W-W-W-H-WFretboard Visualization
Practice A Dorian with Ear Training
Train your ear to recognize notes in the A Dorian scale. Our interactive trainer will play melodies and challenge you to identify them on the fretboard.
Start Ear TrainingAbout This Scale
Dorian mode is the 2nd mode of the Major scale. It's essentially a Natural Minor scale with a raised (major) 6th degree. This single note difference gives it a smoother, more optimistic character compared to the pure minor scale. Carlos Santana's iconic sound is largely Dorian-based. It's also the go-to mode for jazz minor chord improvisation and funk guitar. The characteristic major 6th is what distinguishes it from the common minor scale.
Common Genres
Famous Songs
Related Scales
A Minor
The natural minor scale conveys sadness and emotional depth. Essential for rock, metal, and ballads.
A Mixolydian
A bluesy, groovy major mode with a flatted 7th. The scale of classic rock and blues-rock guitar.
A Blues
The Minor Pentatonic with an added "blue note" (♭5). The essential scale for blues guitar.
All Scales in A
Learn the A Dorian scale on guitar with our free interactive tools. The {scale} scale (W-H-W-W-W-H-W) contains 7 notes: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G. Practice with our ear training game to master recognizing {scale} scale patterns by ear. Perfect for Jazz, Funk, Rock guitar players of all levels.