B Flat Dorian Mode on the Guitar – 5 CAGED Positions, Tabs and Theory

‘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.

B Flat Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach

Bb major scale 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

B Flat Dorian Mode Using The 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

B Flat Dorian in the Open Position

Firstly, let’s look at Bb dorian in the open position:

Bb Dorian Mode Open Position Frets
Bb Dorian Mode Open Position Notes

B Flat Dorian CAGED Positions

Now let’s look at Bb dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.

Bb Dorian in the 1st Position (Lowest Fret is 1)

Bb Dorian Mode 3rd Position Frets
Bb Dorian Mode 3rd Position Notes

Bb Dorian in the 4th Position (Lowest Fret is 4)

Bb Dorian Mode 4th Position Frets
Bb Dorian Mode 4th Position Notes

Bb Dorian in the 8th Position (Lowest Fret is 8)

Bb Dorian Mode 8th Position Frets
Bb Dorian Mode 8th Position Notes

Bb Dorian in the 9th Position (Lowest Fret is 9)

Bb Dorian Mode 9th Position Frets
Bb Dorian Mode 9th Position Notes

Bb Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)

Bb Dorian Mode 12th Position Frets
Bb Dorian Mode 12th Position Notes

That covers the 5 basic positions and the open position of Ab dorian along the guitar fretboard. For an in depth explanation of the dorian mode, check out dorian mode explained.

Further Reading

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