A Dorian B2 Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A Dorian B2 Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Dorian B2 scale is a soulful mode from the melodic minor system that combines the minor brightness of Dorian with the dark tension of a flattened second. On Banjo (5-String), the notes are A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G. It is used in modern jazz and film scores to create a sound that is both sophisticated and slightly unsettling. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Fusion, Contemporary. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Brad Mehldau. Use over m7, m9, sus(b9) chords. Works on the ii chord in a minor ii-V-i when you want extra tension.
Notes: A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: phrygian #6, melodic minor second mode
Musical Character
Combines Dorian's soulful minor with the exotic tension of a b2, creating a sound that is both sophisticated and slightly sinister — a favorite for film noir and modern jazz.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Jazz, Film Scores, Fusion, Contemporary
Notable players: Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Brad Mehldau
How to Use the A Dorian B2 Scale
Use over m7, m9, sus(b9) chords. Works on the ii chord in a minor ii-V-i when you want extra tension.
Origin & Background
The second mode of the melodic minor scale. Also known as Phrygian #6 or Javanese scale.
How to Play A Dorian B2 on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Dorian B2 scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Dorian B2 scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. Its relative major is C major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the A Dorian B2 scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on A to let the characteristic intervals of the Dorian B2 scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in jazz contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the A Dorian B2 scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a sophisticated quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Dorian B2 is the 2nd mode of the Melodic Minor scale. View A Melodic minor scale
The A Dorian B2 scale contains 7 notes (A, Bb, C, D, E, F#, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Dorian B2
The A Dorian B2 scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A Dorian B2 Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Dorian B2 on Guitar
- A Dorian B2 on Ukulele
- A Dorian B2 on Bass
- A Dorian B2 on Piano