Explore scales · Bass
C dorian scale on bass guitar
C dorian contains C, D, E♭, F, G, A, and B♭. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 3 for a low-position shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the C dorian scale on bass?
C dorian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the E string at fret 1 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3 | E♭, F |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C dorian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5, 6 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C dorian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 12 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C dorian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 10 | E♭, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C dorian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 11 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 D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11, 13 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
C dorian is the second mode of E♭ major, sharing its key signature of three flats. It differs from C natural minor by raising the sixth degree from A♭ to A. This major 6th creates a brighter minor sound. Compare it with C natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
C dorian fits C minor and C 5th chords, especially in funk and R&B. It also works over the IV chord F major and the v chord G minor in C minor progressions. Try it over a Cm–F vamp to hear the raised 6th. C 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 3, keeping the hand in one position across frets 1–3.
Common questions
What notes are in C dorian?
C dorian contains C, D, E♭, F, G, A, and B♭. The scale degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, and ♭7. It is a minor scale with a raised 6th.
Which chords does C dorian work over?
C dorian fits C minor and C 5th chords. It also works over F major and G minor in C minor progressions. The raised 6th makes it suitable for modal vamps.
How does C dorian differ from C natural minor?
C dorian raises the sixth degree from A♭ to A. This creates a major 6th interval instead of a minor 6th. The change gives the scale a brighter character.