G# Dorian Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
G# Dorian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Dorian scale is the second mode of the major scale, offering a soulful and sophisticated minor sound. On Mandolin, it contains the notes G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#. Because it features a major sixth, it sounds brighter and more hopeful than the natural minor. It is the go-to scale for jazz, funk, and modal blues. The diatonic chords of G# Dorian are G#m7, A#m7, BMaj7, C#7, D#m7, Fm7b5, F#Maj7. Commonly used in Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues. Notable players include Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo. Use over m7, m9, m11, m13 chords. The go-to scale for any minor chord in funk, jazz, and soul. Works especially well over long minor vamps.
Notes: G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
G♯m7 — A♯m7 — BMaj7 — C♯7 — D♯m7 — Fm7♭5 — F♯Maj7
Musical Character
The natural 6th degree (vs b6 in Aeolian) gives Dorian its signature 'hopeful minor' character — darker than major, but brighter than natural minor.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Funk, Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, Blues
Notable players: Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, D'Angelo
How to Use the G# Dorian Scale
Use over m7, m9, m11, m13 chords. The go-to scale for any minor chord in funk, jazz, and soul. Works especially well over long minor vamps.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Greek Dorians. Central to modal jazz since Miles Davis's Kind of Blue (1959). Represents a point of perfect balance in the modal spectrum — the only mode that produces the same mode when inverted. Sibelius's Symphony No. 6 in D Minor is actually composed in D Dorian. Nicolas Slonimsky described it as 'neutral in its equilibrium'.
How to Play G# Dorian on Mandolin
Begin by locating G# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Dorian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The G# Dorian scale contains 5 sharps (G#, A#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Begin by playing the G# Dorian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G#-B, A#-C#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the G# Dorian scale: G#m7 - C#7 - D#m7 - G#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or G#m7 - A#m7 - C#7 - D#m7 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in neo-soul contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the G# Dorian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a soulful quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Dorian is the 2nd mode of the Major scale. View G# Major scale
The G# Dorian scale contains 7 notes (G#, A#, B, C#, D#, F, F#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Dorian
The G# Dorian 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 G# Dorian Further
- Harmonize the G# Dorian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Dorian on Guitar
- G# Dorian on Ukulele
- G# Dorian on Bass
- G# Dorian on Piano