In this article/video, we're going to very carefully analyze the dorian modes in all 15 key signatures. We'll use my Balanced Scale Pairs System (see Reference A) to master the scales. We will organize our practice by progressing naturally from the key signature with zero accidentals, and then we'll master 7 key pairs: the 1-accidental key pair through the 7-accidental key pair.
Mastering the dorian mode is essential for any improvising musician, as its structure perfectly outlines the minor 7th chord. Knowing these scales provides the melodic foundation for improvising over minor blues progressions, the ii chord in jazz ii-V-I turnarounds, and modal jazz standards. By internalizing these modes across all keys, you develop the necessary vocabulary to confidently navigate minor chords, create compelling melodic lines, and transition smoothly through chord changes.
Keywords: dorian mode, dorian scale, minor scale, music theory, key signatures, scale notes, sharps and flats, accidentals, practice charts, music reference, saxophone practice, instrumental practice
0 Accidentals
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
00
D dorian
0
D - E - F - G - A - B - C - D
1 Accidental
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
01a
A dorian
1 Sharp (F#)
A - B - C - D - E - F# - G - A
01b
G dorian
1 Flat (Bb)
G - A - Bb - C - D - E - F - G
2 Accidentals
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
02a
E dorian
2 Sharps (F#, C#)
E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D - E
02b
C dorian
2 Flats (Bb, Eb)
C - D - Eb - F - G - A - Bb - C
3 Accidentals
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
03a
B dorian
3 Sharps (F#, C#, G#)
B - C# - D - E - F# - G# - A - B
03b
F dorian
3 Flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)
F - G - Ab - Bb - C - D - Eb - F
4 Accidentals
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
04a
F# dorian
4 Sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#)
F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E - F#
04b
Bb dorian
4 Flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db)
Bb - C - Db - Eb - F - G - Ab - Bb
5 Accidentals
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
05a
C# dorian
5 Sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#)
C# - D# - E - F# - G# - A# - B - C#
05b
Eb dorian
5 Flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb)
Eb - F - Gb - Ab - Bb - C - Db - Eb
6 Accidentals
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
06a
G# dorian
6 Sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#)
G# - A# - B - C# - D# - E# - F# - G#
06b
Ab dorian
6 Flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb)
Ab - Bb - Cb - Db - Eb - F - Gb - Ab
7 Accidentals
Label
Key
Signature
Scale Notes
07a
D# dorian
7 Sharps (F#, C#, G#, D#, A#, E#, B#)
D# - E# - F# - G# - A# - B# - C# - D#
07b
Db dorian
7 Flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, Gb, Cb, Fb)
Db - Eb - Fb - Gb - Ab - Bb - Cb - Db
References
[A] The Balanced Scale Pairs System (Saxtalk.com). Retrieved September 14, 2026 from here.
[B] Scales That Every Professional Saxophonist Should Master (Saxtalk.com). Retrieved September 14, 2026 from here.
[C] Dorian mode (Wikipedia). Retrieved September 14, 2026 from here.
