Explore scales · Ukulele
A dorian scale on ukulele
A dorian uses A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G. Its raised sixth suits reentrant ukulele voicings.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the A dorian scale on ukulele?
A dorian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
A dorian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
A dorian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
A dorian in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A dorian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A dorian is the second mode of G major, sharing the same notes but centering on A. The raised F♯ distinguishes it from A natural minor, whose sixth is F. This major sixth gives the scale its characteristic brightness over a minor tonic.
When to use it
A dorian fits A minor and A 5th chords, and works over progressions like Am–G–D. Its major sixth suits folk, rock, and funk lines. Try it over A minor or A 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits at string 4, fret 2 and string 2, fret 5, covering frets 0–3.
Common questions
Which notes are in A dorian?
A dorian contains A, B, C, D, E, F♯, and G. The F♯ is the major sixth that separates it from A natural minor. Use these notes over A minor chords.
What chords does A dorian work over?
A dorian works over A minor and A 5th chords. It also fits progressions using G major and D major. The scale's major sixth adds brightness to minor vamps.
How does A dorian differ from A natural minor?
A dorian raises the sixth degree from F to F♯. This single change creates a major sixth interval from the tonic. The raised sixth gives the scale its characteristic brightness.