E Dorian B2 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
E Dorian B2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E 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 E, F, G, A, B, C#, D. 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: E, F, G, A, B, C#, D
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 E Dorian B2 on Guitar
Start the E Dorian B2 scale in open position, taking advantage of the open E string. 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 open position.
The E Dorian B2 scale contains 1 sharp (C#). Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the E Dorian B2 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-G, F-A) 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 E to let the characteristic intervals of the Dorian B2 scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
Use hybrid picking (pick + fingers) when playing the E Dorian B2 scale on guitar to access wider intervals and string skips that a pick alone cannot handle efficiently.
The E Dorian B2 scale contains 7 notes (E, F, G, A, B, C#, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Dorian B2
The E 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 E Dorian B2 Further
- Harmonize the E Dorian B2 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- E Dorian B2 on Ukulele
- E Dorian B2 on Bass
- E Dorian B2 on Piano
Explore E Dorian B2 in Other Tunings
- E Dorian B2 in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- E Dorian B2 in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- E Dorian B2 in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- E Dorian B2 in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- E Dorian B2 in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- E Dorian B2 in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- E Dorian B2 in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- E Dorian B2 in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- E Dorian B2 in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- E Dorian B2 in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- E Dorian B2 in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- E Dorian B2 in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- E Dorian B2 in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- E Dorian B2 in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)