C# Dorian #4 on the Fretboard

The C# Dorian #4 scale contains C#, D#, E, F##, G#, A# and B. F## is the raised fourth, spelled with a double sharp so the letters run in order, and it sounds like G natural. This is a theoretical spelling with no simpler enharmonic key, since Db would need Fb and Cb as well.

Play the root on the 9th fret of the low E string, then use the 4th fret of the A string as a second anchor.

Play the C# dorian #4 scale

Use the step menu in the player to switch between the single-string run and the box shapes.

Notes of the C# dorian #4 scale

NoteDegreeIntervalSemitones from root
C#1Root0
D#2Major 2nd2
Eb3Minor 3rd3
F###4Tritone6
G#5Perfect 5th7
A#6Major 6th9
Bb7Minor 7th10

Structure

C# dorian #4 scale notes:

C# D# E F## G# A# B

How the dorian #4 scale is built:

The dorian #4 scale is built from the degrees 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 b7, which gives the step pattern W-H-W+H-H-W-H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).

Counting in semitones from the root: 0, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10. That makes it a 7-note scale.

It is mode 4 of the Harmonic Minor Scale, so both scales share the same notes from a different starting point.

It is also known as Ukrainian Dorian and Romanian Minor.

C# Dorian #4 Scale Guitar Patterns

Static diagrams of every position shown in the player above.

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - On one string (B)

On one string (B)

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - Box pattern — position 1

Box pattern — position 1

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - Box pattern — position 2

Box pattern — position 2

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - Box pattern — position 3

Box pattern — position 3

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - Box pattern — position 4

Box pattern — position 4

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - Box pattern — position 5

Box pattern — position 5

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - 3 notes per string — position 1

3 notes per string — position 1

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - 3 notes per string — position 2

3 notes per string — position 2

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - 3 notes per string — position 3

3 notes per string — position 3

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - 3 notes per string — position 4

3 notes per string — position 4

C# Dorian #4 Scale scale guitar pattern - 3 notes per string — position 5

3 notes per string — position 5

Chords in the C# dorian #4 scale

Stacking thirds on each degree of the scale gives these chords.

DegreeTriadSeventh chord
1 C#m C#m7
2 D# D#7
b3 E Emaj7
#4 F##dim (same as Gdim) F##dim7 (same as Gdim7)
5 G#m G#m(maj7)
6 A#dim A#m7(b5)
b7 Baug Bmaj7(b13)

Scales with the same notes as C# Dorian #4

These scales use exactly the same notes. Each one starts somewhere else, so the root and the mood change.

Other scales on C#

Same root, different notes. Play them back to back to hear what changes.

The dorian #4 scale in other keys

All about the dorian #4 scale →

Keep learning