Cm7 chord with C Dorian scale

Pairing the Cm7 chord (Minor 7) with the C Dorian scale: formulas, fretboard voicings and the practical context for soloing, improvisation and songwriting.

Cm7 chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5 b7. A minor triad with a minor 7th. A soft, calm minor — the workhorse of jazz, soul and funk.

C Dorian scale formula

Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7. Classification: modal.

Fretboard voicings for Cm7

Curated Cm7 shapes that sit naturally inside the C Dorian scale.

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Cm7 — Drop 2, root on 6th string, frets 7–11
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Cm7 — Drop 2, root on 5th string, frets 2–6
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Cm7 — Drop 2, root on 4th string, frets 9–12

Other scales for Cm7

Compare how the same chord behaves over other compatible modes.

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