Scale Comparison
Pick two scales and a root note to see exactly which intervals they share and where they diverge.
vs
Quick:
All 12 notes — from A
AR
A#b2
B2
Cb3
C#3
D4
D#b5
E5
Fb6
F#6
Gb7
G#7
Dorian only (1)Natural Minor only (1)Shared (6)
Scale A
A Dorian
ABCDEF#G
R 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Minor with a raised 6th. Used in jazz, funk, and rock.
Open on fretboard →Scale B
A Natural Minor
ABCDEFG
R 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Darker and more emotive. Used across rock, metal, and classical.
Open on fretboard →Degree-by-degree comparison
| # | Dorian | Natural Minor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A (R) | A (R) | same |
| 2 | B (2) | B (2) | same |
| 3 | C (b3) | C (b3) | same |
| 4 | D (4) | D (4) | same |
| 5 | E (5) | E (5) | same |
| 6 | F# (6) | F (b6) | 6 → b6 (1 semitone) |
| 7 | G (b7) | G (b7) | same |
Dorian vs Natural Minor: What changes?
Dorian and Natural Minor differ by only one note — the 6th degree.
Mood difference
Dorian sounds slightly brighter and more modern than natural minor. The natural 6th is the defining characteristic.
Harmonic function
The natural 6th transforms the IV chord from minor to major, creating the characteristic Dorian sound.