E Dorian B2 Ukulele Scale
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What chords fit over E Dorian B2?
Open E Dorian B2 HarmonizerE 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 Ukulele, 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
Musical Character
Combines Dorian's soulful minor with the exotic tension of a b2, creating a sound that is both sophisticated and slightly sinister — a favorite for film noir and modern jazz.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Film Scores, Fusion, Contemporary
Notable players: Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Brad Mehldau
How to Use the E Dorian B2 Scale
Use over m7, m9, sus(b9) chords. Works on the ii chord in a minor ii-V-i when you want extra tension.
Origin & Background
The second mode of the melodic minor scale. Also known as Phrygian #6 or Javanese scale.
How to Play E Dorian B2 on Ukulele
On ukulele, find E on the fret 4 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
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 100 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. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the E Dorian B2 scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound. Aim for a sophisticated quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Dorian B2 is the 2nd mode of the Melodic Minor scale. View E Melodic minor scale
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 Ukulele 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 Guitar
- E Dorian B2 on Bass
- E Dorian B2 on Piano