B FLAT DORIAN MODE
‘B flat dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the A flat major scale. The notes in Bb dorian are:
Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G – Ab
If you have read the post on understanding the dorian mode, you will know that the dorian mode contains a flat 3 and a flat 7 (parallel approach). You will also know that it is the 2nd mode of a major scale (derivative approach). Let’s briefly look at how to construct Bb dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
Parallel Approach:
Bb major has the following notes:
Bb – C – D – Eb – F – G – A
If we flatten the 3rd note (D) and the 7th note (A) we get the following:
Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G – Ab
Derivative Approach:
Bb is the 2nd note of the Ab major scale:
Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G
If we play an Ab major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
Bb – C – Db – Eb – F – G – Ab
Positions Along the Fretboard:
Let’s look at the Bb dorian mode in the different positions on the guitar fretboard:
Firstly, let’s look at the open position:
Now let’s look at Bb dorian in the 3rd position (lowest fret is 3)
Now let’s look at Bb dorian in the 4th position (lowest fret is 4)
Now let’s look at Bb dorian in the 8th position (lowest fret is 8)
Now let’s look at Bb dorian in the 9th position (lowest fret is 9)
Finally, let’s look at Bb dorian in the 12th position (lowest fret is 12)
That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of Bb dorian along the guitar fretboard.
For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.
Other useful or related posts:
Bb Major Scale Positions On The Fretboard