‘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:
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 in the 4th Position (Lowest Fret is 4)
Bb Dorian in the 8th Position (Lowest Fret is 8)
Bb Dorian in the 9th Position (Lowest Fret is 9)
Bb Dorian in the 12th Position (Lowest Fret is 12)
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
- Bbm chord (Bb Dorian works well over this chord)
- Bbm7 chord (Bb Dorian works well over this chord)
- Ab Major scale (Bb Dorian is the second mode of the Ab Major scale)
