G# Dorian B2 Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
G# Dorian B2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Dorian B2 scale is a soulful mode from the melodic minor system that combines the minor brightness of Dorian with the dark tension of a flattened second. On Bass, the notes are G#, A, B, C#, D#, F, F#. It is used in modern jazz and film scores to create a sound that is both sophisticated and slightly unsettling. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Fusion, Contemporary. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Brad Mehldau. Use over m7, m9, sus(b9) chords. Works on the ii chord in a minor ii-V-i when you want extra tension.
Notes: G#, A, B, C#, D#, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: phrygian #6, melodic minor second mode
How to Play G# Dorian B2 on Bass
On bass, locate G# on the E string at fret 4. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The G# Dorian B2 scale contains 4 sharps (G#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the G# Dorian B2 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G#-B, A-C#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G# to let the characteristic intervals of the Dorian B2 scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
Practice the G# Dorian B2 scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations.
The G# Dorian B2 scale contains 7 notes (G#, A, B, C#, D#, F, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Dorian B2
The G# Dorian B2 scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.