Explore scales · Bass
F♯ dorian scale on bass guitar
F♯ dorian contains F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯, and E. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 2 for a compact shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the F♯ dorian scale on bass?
F♯ 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 E 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) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
F♯ dorian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 E string at fret 2 and the D 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 | B, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
F♯ dorian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the D 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, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–9
F♯ dorian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 9, 8 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 A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
F♯ dorian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 A string at fret 9 and the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–14
F♯ dorian in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 12 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the E string at fret 14 and the G string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 14 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (D) | 11, 13, 14 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 13, 14 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ dorian is the second mode of A major, sharing its key signature of three sharps. It differs from F♯ natural minor by raising the sixth degree from D to D♯. This major 6th creates a brighter minor sound. Compare it with F♯ natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
F♯ dorian fits F♯ minor and F♯ 5th chords, especially in metal and progressive rock. It also works over the IV chord B major and the v chord C♯ minor in F♯ minor progressions. Try it over an F♯m–B vamp to hear the raised 6th. F♯ 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 2, keeping the hand in one position across frets 0–2.
Common questions
What notes are in F♯ dorian?
F♯ dorian contains F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯, and E. The scale degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, and ♭7. It is a minor scale with a raised 6th. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does F♯ dorian work over?
F♯ dorian fits F♯ minor and F♯ 5th chords. It also works over B major and C♯ minor in F♯ minor progressions. The raised 6th makes it suitable for modal vamps.
How does F♯ dorian differ from F♯ natural minor?
F♯ dorian raises the sixth degree from D to D♯. This creates a major 6th interval instead of a minor 6th. The change gives the scale a brighter character.