G Dorian ♯11 Scale

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Summary

G Dorian ♯11 contains 7 notes: G, A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F. It has 1 sharp: C♯. The step pattern is W–H–W+H–H–W–H–W. It is derived from G 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.

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