Explore scales · Ukulele
A♭ dorian scale on ukulele
A♭ dorian uses A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F, G♭. Its raised sixth separates it from A♭ natural minor.
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 1 to fret 4, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D♭ on the C string at fret 1 up to D♭ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 1 and the E string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | A♭, B♭, C♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | D♭, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | F, G♭, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | B♭, C♭, D♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A♭ dorian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the C string at fret 3 up to E♭ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | B♭, C♭, D♭ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | E♭, F, G♭ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | D♭, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A♭ dorian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the C string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8 | D♭, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | F, G♭, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | B♭, C♭ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
A♭ dorian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the C string at fret 8 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 8 and the A string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | E♭, F, G♭ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | A♭, B♭, C♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | D♭, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | 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 A♭m–G♭–D♭. Its major sixth suits jazz and fusion lines. Try it over A♭ minor or A♭ 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits at string 4, fret 1 and string 2, fret 4, covering frets 1–4.
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. It is also spelled G♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.