Build the Dorian Scale with Key Signature: Exercise

The Dorian scale uses the key signature of the minor scale on its tonic. First write that key signature, then the scale: because it is a minor scale with a raised 6th, that 6th gets a natural (or sharp) sign that raises it against the key signature.

How to use the exercise: Step 1 (key signature): choose Sharp or Flat and click on the staff to place each accidental of the key signature in its order. Step 2 (scale): with the key signature in place, put in the notes of the scale. They inherit the key signature automatically; press ♮ / ♯ / ♭ only when a note needs an accidental of its own. Undo and Clear work in each step. The magnifier shows what you are about to place.

A minor mode with a major 6th

The Dorian scale is written with the key signature of the minor scale on its tonic, but with the 6th degree raised by a half step. That raise is not in the key signature: it is written as an accidental (a natural or a sharp) on the affected note.

The raised 6th as an accidental

In D Dorian the key signature is the one of D minor (B♭), but the 6th degree is raised to B♮: it is written with a natural sign. In A Dorian, with no key signature, the 6th (F) is raised to F♯. This is the color of the Dorian mode, common in folk, modal jazz and Celtic music.

Key	Key signature	Scale
D Dorian	1♭ (B♭)	D E F G A B♮ C D
A Dorian	none	A B C D E F♯ G A
G Dorian	2♭ (B♭ E♭)	G A B♭ C D E♮ F G

Printable worksheet (PDF)

The same exercise on paper, for class: eight Dorian scales to write with a key signature: first the key signature, then the scale, with only the accidentals that depart from it. With a separate answer sheet, with the answers in red.

It goes from easier to harder: first key signatures with few accidentals in treble clef, then more accidentals and the bass clef.

Printable PDF worksheet for writing Dorian scales with a key signature — A4 sheet for writing Dorian scales with a key signature.

Download the worksheet (PDF A4) Answers

You may print and photocopy the worksheets freely for the classroom. There are also worksheets of this same type for identifying and writing, and in the scales index you can create custom worksheets, mixing whichever types you like.

Frequently Asked Questions

What key signature does the Dorian scale use?

The one of the minor scale on its tonic. D Dorian uses the key signature of D minor (one flat).

How do I write the raised 6th?

As an accidental on the note: a natural sign if the key signature lowered it (D Dorian: B♮) or a sharp if the key signature did not alter it (A Dorian: F♯).

How is it different from the natural minor scale?

Only in the 6th degree: Dorian raises it by a half step. The rest matches the natural minor scale.

Where is the Dorian scale used?

In folk, Celtic music, modal jazz and a lot of early repertoire, because of its major 6th over a minor mode.

Practice these scales with the online metronome and check your tuning with the online tuner. You can also try the version with the accidentals written note by note.