A Dorian mode on bass

The Dorian mode is a minor scale with a major sixth. Brighter than the natural minor, it is widely used in jazz, funk and rock.

On the whole neck

EADGEF♯GABCDEABCDEF♯GADEF♯GABCDGABCDEF♯G0123456789101112
EADGEF♯GABCDEABCDEF♯GADEF♯GABCDGABCDEF♯G0123456789101112

Position from fret 4

EADGABCDEF♯GABCD45678
EADGABCDEF♯GABCD45678

Root notes are filled. The position starts from the root on the 4th string (low E).

Notes of the scale

DegreeNoteInterval
1Aroot
2Bmajor second
3Cminor third
4Dperfect fourth
5Eperfect fifth
6F♯ (F sharp)major sixth
7Gminor seventh

Steps between notes: W – H – W – W – W – H – W (W = whole step, H = half step)

This mode uses the same notes as the G major scale, starting from another degree.

Chords of the scale

Triads built on each degree:

  1. Ami
  2. Bmii
  3. CIII
  4. DIV
  5. Emv
  6. F♯dimvi°
  7. GVII

Other A scales

The same scale in other keys