G# Dorian Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
G# Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Bass, it contains the notes G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#. Because it features a major sixth, it sounds brighter and more hopeful than the natural minor. It is the go-to scale for jazz, funk, and modal blues. The diatonic chords of G# Dorian are G#m7, A#m7, BMaj7, C#7, D#m7, Fm7b5, F#Maj7. Commonly used in Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues. Notable players include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo. Use over m7, m9, m11, m13 chords. The go-to scale for any minor chord in funk, jazz, and soul. Works especially well over long minor vamps.
Notes: G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
G♯m7 — A♯m7 — BMaj7 — C♯7 — D♯m7 — Fm7♭5 — F♯Maj7
Musical Character
The natural 6th degree (vs b6 in Aeolian) gives Dorian its signature 'hopeful minor' character — darker than major, but brighter than natural minor.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues
Notable players: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo
How to Use the G# Dorian Scale
Use over m7, m9, m11, m13 chords. The go-to scale for any minor chord in funk, jazz, and soul. Works especially well over long minor vamps.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Greek Dorians. Central to modal jazz since Miles Davis's Kind of Blue (1959).
How to Play G# Dorian 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 scale contains 5 sharps (G#, A#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the G# Dorian scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Try these progressions with the G# Dorian scale: G#m7 - C#7 - D#m7 - G#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or G#m7 - A#m7 - C#7 - D#m7 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in blues contexts.
Bass Tips
Practice the G# Dorian 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. Aim for a soulful quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Dorian is the 2nd mode of the Major scale. View G# Major scale
The G# Dorian 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
The G# Dorian 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.