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