Explore scales · Bass
D dorian scale on bass guitar
D dorian contains D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 5 for a mid-neck shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the D dorian scale on bass?
D dorian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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 D string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
D dorian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 8 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 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D dorian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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 A string at fret 5 and the G 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, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
D dorian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 10 and the G 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, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
D dorian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 9 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 E string at fret 10 and the D string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
D dorian is the second mode of F major, sharing its key signature of one flat. It differs from D natural minor by raising the sixth degree from B♭ to B. This major 6th creates a brighter minor sound. Compare it with D natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
D dorian fits D minor and D 5th chords, especially in folk and rock. It also works over the IV chord G major and the v chord A minor in D minor progressions. Try it over a Dm–G vamp to hear the raised 6th. D 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 5, keeping the hand in one position across frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in D dorian?
D dorian contains D, E, F, G, A, B, and C. The scale degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, and ♭7. It is a minor scale with a raised 6th.
Which chords does D dorian work over?
D dorian fits D minor and D 5th chords. It also works over G major and A minor in D minor progressions. The raised 6th makes it suitable for modal vamps.
How does D dorian differ from D natural minor?
D dorian raises the sixth degree from B♭ to B. This creates a major 6th interval instead of a minor 6th. The change gives the scale a brighter character.