Guitar scale
Bb Dorian Guitar Scale
Bb Dorian is a seven-note scale built from Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, and Ab. It is the 2nd relative mode of Ab major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab
- Formula
- 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
- Parent scale
- Ab major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representBb root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Bb root notes and connect the remaining dorian tones across standard tuning.
Sound and defining tones
Bb Dorian combines a minor third with a natural sixth: b3 (Db) and 6 (G). The minor third keeps the mode minor, while the natural sixth makes it brighter than Bb natural minor.
- Characteristic tones
- b3Db6G
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with Bb Dorian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
Use Bb Dorian over a sustained Bbm or Bbm7 sound, especially when the harmony includes the natural sixth and does not establish the flat sixth from natural minor.
- Use Bb Dorian over Bbm7 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 Bb Dorian from one Bb 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 (Db) and 6 (G), listening for the contrast between the minor third and natural sixth.
- Loop Bbm7 as a static vamp and end alternating phrases on the root, flat third, and natural sixth to hear their different levels of stability.