G Dorian Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
G Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Ukulele, it contains the notes G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F. 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 G Dorian are Gm7, Am7, BbMaj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7. 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: G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
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
Gm7 — Am7 — B♭Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7
How to Play G Dorian on Ukulele
On ukulele, find G on the open strings or 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 G Dorian scale contains 1 flat (Bb). Its relative major is Bb major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G 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 G Dorian scale: Gm7 - C7 - Dm7 - Gm7 (I-IV-V-I) or Gm7 - Am7 - C7 - Dm7 for a more stepwise movement.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the G Dorian 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.
The G Dorian scale contains 7 notes (G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G Dorian
The G Dorian 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 G Dorian Further
- Harmonize the G Dorian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- G Dorian on Guitar
- G Dorian on Bass
- G Dorian on Piano