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