Explore scales · Bass
A dorian scale on bass guitar
A dorian contains A, B, C, D, E, F♯, and G. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 for a compact mid-neck shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the A dorian scale on bass?
A dorian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A dorian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A dorian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A dorian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
A dorian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
A dorian is the second mode of C major, sharing its key signature and starting on A. It differs from A natural minor by raising the sixth degree from F to F♯. This major 6th gives the scale its characteristic brightness over a minor tonic. Compare it with A natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
A dorian fits A minor and A 5th chords, especially in rock, funk, and modal jazz. It also works over the IV chord D major and the v chord E minor in A minor progressions. Try it over an Am–D vamp to hear the raised 6th. A dorian suits lines that need a minor sound with a brighter edge.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 5, keeping the hand in one position across frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in A dorian?
A dorian contains A, B, C, D, E, F♯, and G. The scale degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, and ♭7. It is a minor scale with a raised 6th.
Which chords does A dorian work over?
A dorian fits A minor and A 5th chords. It also works over D major and E minor in A minor progressions. The raised 6th makes it suitable for modal vamps.
How does A dorian differ from A natural minor?
A dorian raises the sixth degree from F to F♯. This creates a major 6th interval instead of a minor 6th. The change gives the scale a brighter character.