A Dorian B2 Cuatro Venezolano Scale — Standard
Cuatro Venezolano scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
A Dorian B2 in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The A 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 Cuatro Venezolano, the notes are A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G. 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: A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G
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
Tuning: Standard (A-D-F#-B)
Also known as: phrygian #6, melodic minor second mode
About Standard Tuning
The Cuatro Venezolano is a four-string instrument tuned A-D-F#-B with a reentrant tuning — the 4th string (B) is tuned lower than the 3rd string (F#), breaking the ascending pitch order. This reentrant voicing gives the Cuatro its signature bright, harp-like strumming sound that drives the rhythm in joropo, vals venezolano, and other Venezuelan folk genres.
The Cuatro is the national instrument of Venezuela, as fundamental to Venezuelan music as the guitar is to flamenco. Its distinctive rasgueo (strumming) technique produces a rhythmic drive that is instantly recognizable. Unlike guitar, the Cuatro is primarily a rhythmic instrument — its reentrant tuning creates a compact voicing range that blends beautifully with harp and maracas in traditional ensembles. Players like Cheo Hurtado and Hernán Gamboa have elevated the Cuatro to a solo concert instrument.
Notable artists: Cheo Hurtado, Hernán Gamboa, Simón Díaz, C4 Trío, Jorge Glem
Best for: Venezuelan folk music, joropo rhythm, Latin ensemble playing, and any style that needs bright rhythmic strumming