‘B dorian’ is the 2nd mode of the A major scale. The notes in B dorian are:
B – C# – D – E – F# – G# – A
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 B dorian using both the parallel approach and the derivative approach.
B Dorian Mode Using The Parallel Approach
B major has the following notes:
B – C# – D# – E – F# – G# – A#
If we flatten the 3rd note (D#) and the 7th note (A#) we get the following:
B – C# – D – E – F# – G# – A
B Dorian Mode Using The Derivative Approach
B is the 2nd note of an A major scale:
A – B – C# – D – E – F# – G#
If we play the A Major scale and start on the 2nd note we get the following:
B – C# – D – E – F# – G# – A
B Dorian in the Open Position
Firstly, let’s look at B dorian in the open position:
B Dorian CAGED Positions
Now let’s look at B dorian in the 5 different CAGED positions along the fretboard.
B Dorian in the 1st Position (Lowest Fret is 1)
B Dorian in the 4th Position (Lowest Fret is 4)
B Dorian in the 5th Position (Lowest Fret is 5)
B Dorian in the 9th Position (Lowest Fret is 9)
B Dorian in the 10th Position (Lowest Fret is 10)
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
- Bm chord (B Dorian works well over this chord)
- Bm7 chord (B Dorian works well over this chord)
- A Major scale (B Dorian is the second mode of the Gb Major scale)
