A Dorian ♯11

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A Dorian ♯11 Scale

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Step pattern W – H – W+H – H – W – H – W

A Dorian ♯11 contains 7 notes: A, B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G. It has 2 sharps: D♯, F♯. The step pattern is W–H–W+H–H–W–H–W. It is derived from A Harmonic Minor.

Dorian #4 (also called Romanian minor or Ukrainian Dorian) blends the warmth of Dorian with a raised 4th, creating a mysterious, exotic sound rooted in Eastern European folk music.

Theory

Built as 1 - 2 - b3 - #4 - 5 - 6 - b7, this is the 4th mode of harmonic minor. It combines Dorian's natural 6th with a Lydian-like #4. The jump from b3 to #4 is an augmented 2nd that gives it a distinctive "gypsy" quality. The tonic chord is m7 with a #11 extension.

On the guitar

An excellent alternative to standard Dorian when improvising over minor chords. Emphasize the twisting interval from b3 to #4 for maximum character. The CAGED shapes from harmonic minor work here with the 4th degree as root. Try it over static minor vamps for an immediate Eastern European flavor.

Piano