B Dorian #4 Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
B Dorian #4 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Dorian #4 scale, known in Eastern Europe as the Ukrainian Dorian or Misheberak, has a deeply soulful, crying quality. On Piano, the notes are B, C#, D, F, F#, G#, A. It is a pillar of Jewish Klezmer music and traditional Balkan folk songs. Commonly used in Klezmer, Balkan Folk, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Itzhak Perlman, Bregovic, System of a Down. Use over m7 chords in Klezmer and Balkan contexts. The #4 adds the exotic 'weeping' quality that defines these traditions.
Notes: B, C#, D, F, F#, G#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: ukrainian dorian, romanian minor, altered dorian
How to Play B Dorian #4 on Piano
On piano, the B Dorian #4 scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on B and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The B Dorian #4 scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the B Dorian #4 scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D, C#-F) 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 B to let the characteristic intervals of the Dorian #4 scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the B Dorian #4 scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The B Dorian #4 scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D, F, F#, G#, A). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.