Scale Comparison
Pick two scales and a root note to see exactly which intervals they share and where they diverge.
All 12 notes — from A
Scale A
A Natural Minor
R 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Darker and more emotive. Used across rock, metal, and classical.
Open on fretboard →Scale B
A Dorian
R 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Minor with a raised 6th. Used in jazz, funk, and rock.
Open on fretboard →Degree-by-degree comparison
| # | Natural Minor | Dorian | 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 (b6) | F# (6) | b6 → 6 (1 semitone) |
| 7 | G (b7) | G (b7) | same |
Natural Minor vs Dorian: What changes?
Dorian and Natural Minor share six of their seven notes — only the 6th degree differs. Dorian is the 2nd mode of the major scale.
Mood difference
Natural minor sounds darker and more serious. Dorian has a lifted, subtly optimistic quality even while remaining a minor scale. The raised 6th is the key difference — it is the sound of Carlos Santana, Daft Punk, and jazz-funk fusion.
Harmonic function
The only change is the 6th: natural minor has a ♭6, Dorian has a natural 6. This single note transforms the IV chord from minor (natural minor) to major (Dorian), which drives the characteristic brighter lift. It also makes Dorian feel more modern and less 'classical' than natural minor.