ScalesBb Dorian
Guitar scale · fretboard map
Bb Dorian Scale
The Bb Dorian scale is built from the notes Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, and Ab, also known as the Dorian mode. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root Bb highlighted.
The dorian scale is a minor scale with a raised sixth: less dark than natural minor, and a staple of funk, jazz, and modal rock.
Notes in the Bb Dorian scale
Bb1
C2
Dbb3
Eb4
F5
G6
Abb7
Bb Dorian scale on the fretboard
root (Bb) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in Bb
Bb MajorBb Natural MinorBb Major PentatonicBb Minor PentatonicBb BluesBb PhrygianBb LydianBb MixolydianBb Harmonic Minor
The dorian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the Bb Dorian scale?
- The Bb Dorian scale contains 7 notes: Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, and Ab. As scale degrees those are 1, 2, b3, 4, 5, 6, b7.
- How do you play the Bb Dorian scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (Bb) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the Bb notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the Bb Dorian scale used for?
- The dorian scale is a minor scale with a raised sixth: less dark than natural minor, and a staple of funk, jazz, and modal rock. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in Bb and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.