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