B Dorian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
B Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Piano, it contains the notes B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A. 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 B Dorian are Bm7, C#m7, DMaj7, E7, F#m7, G#m7b5, AMaj7. 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: B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
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
Bm7 — C♯m7 — DMaj7 — E7 — F♯m7 — G♯m7♭5 — AMaj7
How to Play B Dorian on Piano
On piano, the B Dorian 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 scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the B Dorian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Try these progressions with the B Dorian scale: Bm7 - E7 - F#m7 - Bm7 (I-IV-V-I) or Bm7 - C#m7 - E7 - F#m7 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the B Dorian scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The B Dorian scale contains 7 notes (B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.