Interactive piano keyboard showing B Dorian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
B dorian (B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A) has three sharps in its key signature and a major 6th (G♯) that gives this minor mode a bright, searching quality. It is popular in rock, progressive, and jazz fusion for its tension between dark and light. B dorian works well over Bm7 progressions on guitar and piano.
Dorian differs from natural minor by its major 6th — a single interval that transforms dark melancholy into hopeful brightness. This is why Dorian feels like “minor with optimism,” the go-to mode for jazz, funk, and soul grooves.
The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.
The diatonic chords in B Dorian are: Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#dim, A. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Dorian?
B dorian (B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A) has three sharps in its key signature and a major 6th (G♯) that gives this minor mode a bright, searching quality. It is popular in rock, progressive, and jazz fusion for its tension between dark and light. B dorian works well over Bm7 progressions on guitar and piano.
What notes are in the B Dorian?
The B Dorian contains the notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A. This is a 7-note scale starting from B.
How many chords does the B Dorian have?
The B Dorian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bm, C#m, D, E, F#m, G#dim, A.
What is the formula for the Dorian?
The Dorian follows the interval formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
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Position in circle of fifths
B is at the 5 o'clock position. Related keys: F# (dominant), E (subdominant), Ab (relative minor), C# (supertonic), A (subtonic).