Guitar scale
Ab Dorian Guitar Scale
Ab Dorian is a seven-note scale built from Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, and Gb. It is the 2nd relative mode of Gb major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- Ab, Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb
- Formula
- 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
- Parent scale
- Gb major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representAb root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Ab root notes and connect the remaining dorian tones across standard tuning.
Sound and defining tones
Ab Dorian combines a minor third with a natural sixth: b3 (Cb) and 6 (F). The minor third keeps the mode minor, while the natural sixth makes it brighter than Ab natural minor.
- Characteristic tones
- b3Cb6F
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Dorian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
Use Ab Dorian over a sustained Abm or Abm7 sound, especially when the harmony includes the natural sixth and does not establish the flat sixth from natural minor.
- Use Ab Dorian over Abm7 chords when a minor sound needs a natural 6.
- It is common in funk, jazz, fusion, and minor vamp situations.
Practice this scale on guitar
- Play Ab Dorian from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
- Build two- and three-note ideas that move between b3 (Cb) and 6 (F), listening for the contrast between the minor third and natural sixth.
- Loop Abm7 as a static vamp and end alternating phrases on the root, flat third, and natural sixth to hear their different levels of stability.