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