G# Dorian #4 Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
G# Dorian #4 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Dorian #4 scale, known in Eastern Europe as the Ukrainian Dorian or Misheberak, has a deeply soulful, crying quality. On Ukulele, the notes are G#, A#, B, D, D#, F, F#. 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: G#, A#, B, D, D#, F, F#
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 G# Dorian #4 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 #4 scale contains 4 sharps (G#, A#, D#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G# Dorian #4 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.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G# to let the characteristic intervals of the Dorian #4 scale come through clearly.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the G# Dorian #4 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 #4 scale contains 7 notes (G#, A#, B, D, D#, F, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Dorian #4
The G# Dorian #4 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 #4 Further
- Harmonize the G# Dorian #4 scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Dorian #4 on Guitar
- G# Dorian #4 on Bass
- G# Dorian #4 on Piano