Explore scales · Ukulele
B♭ dorian scale on ukulele
B♭ dorian uses B♭, C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭. Its raised sixth suits reentrant ukulele voicings.
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 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 3 and the A string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 3 | C, D♭, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B♭ dorian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 11 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 G string at fret 3 and the E string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5, 6 | B♭, C, D♭ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5 | E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4, 6 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 4, 6 | C, D♭, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
B♭ dorian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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 E string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 6, 8 | C, D♭, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7, 8 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B♭ dorian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10 | E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9 | C, D♭ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | 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 B♭m–A♭–E♭. Its major sixth suits jazz and funk lines. Try it over B♭ minor or B♭ 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits at string 4, fret 3 and string 1, fret 1, covering frets 0–3.
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. It is also spelled A♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.