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