B Dorian Scale
The B Dorian scale is the 2nd mode of the A major scale, giving it a distinctive minor sound characterized by its raised 6th degree. This combination of a minor 3rd with a major 6th creates a smooth, versatile quality often heard in jazz, funk, folk, and rock, among other genres.
This page covers everything you need to know about the B Dorian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
B Dorian Scale Notes
The B Dorian scale contains the following notes:
B – C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – AThese notes come directly from the A major parent scale, starting on its 2nd degree (B).
B Dorian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the B Dorian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
B Dorian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Dorian scale is:
W – H – W – W – W – H – WApplied to B, this gives us:
- B → C♯
- C♯ → D
- D → E
- E → F♯
- F♯ → G♯
- G♯ → A
- A → B
Thus, B Dorian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (B)
- Major 2nd (C♯)
- Minor 3rd (D)
- Perfect 4th (E)
- Perfect 5th (F♯)
- Major 6th (G♯)
- Minor 7th (A)
This structure, especially the combination of the minor 3rd with the major 6th, gives the Dorian mode its characteristic quality.
Chords in the Key of B Dorian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the B Dorian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:
- B minor (i)
- C♯ minor (ii)
- D major (III)
- E major (IV)
- F♯ minor (v)
- G♯ diminished (vi°)
- A major (VII)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy playing in B Dorian, you may also like:
- B minor (B Dorian with a flat 6th)
- B Mixolydian (Dorian with a raised 3rd)
- A major (parent scale)
B Dorian Scale FAQs
How is B Dorian different from B major?
B Dorian has a minor 3rd (D) and minor 7th (A), while B major has a major 3rd (D♯) and major 7th (A♯).
How is B Dorian different from B minor?
B Dorian has a major 6th (G♯), while B minor has a minor 6th (G).
What is the parent scale of B Dorian?
A major. B Dorian uses the same notes as A major, but starts on its 2nd degree (B).
Summary: B Dorian Scale
- Notes: B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A
- Mode: 2nd mode of A major
- Formula: W, H, W, W, W, H, W