B Dorian B2 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
B Dorian B2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B 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 Guitar, the notes are B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A. 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: B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A
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 B Dorian B2 on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 7 on the 6th (low E) to find your B root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is 2nd fret on the A string.
The B Dorian B2 scale contains 2 sharps (F#, G#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the B Dorian B2 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.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Dorian B2 scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the B Dorian B2 scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The B Dorian B2 scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F#, G#, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Dorian B2
The B 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.
Explore B Dorian B2 Further
- Harmonize the B Dorian B2 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- B Dorian B2 on Ukulele
- B Dorian B2 on Bass
- B Dorian B2 on Piano
Explore B Dorian B2 in Other Tunings
- B Dorian B2 in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- B Dorian B2 in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- B Dorian B2 in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- B Dorian B2 in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- B Dorian B2 in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- B Dorian B2 in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- B Dorian B2 in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- B Dorian B2 in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- B Dorian B2 in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- B Dorian B2 in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- B Dorian B2 in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- B Dorian B2 in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- B Dorian B2 in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- B Dorian B2 in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)