B♭ Dorian Mode

Hear the B♭ Dorian Mode played for you.

B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭

Formula:W-H-W-W-W-H-W

Intervals:P1-M2-m3-P4-P5-M6-m7-P8

Scale Degrees:1-2-♭3-4-5-6-♭7-8

Introduction

The Bb Dorian mode is the second mode of the Ab Major scale. It has a minor sound with a raised sixth degree, characteristic of jazz, blues, and rock.

B♭ Dorian Mode Notes

Degree	Name	Note	Interval
1	Tonic	B♭	P1
2	Supertonic	C	M2
♭3	Mediant	D♭	m3
4	Subdominant	E♭	P4
5	Dominant	F	P5
6	Submediant	G	M6
♭7	Leading Tone	A♭	m7

How Dorian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

B♭ Dorian uses the same notes as A♭ Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

A♭ Ionian=B♭ Dorian=C Phrygian=C♯ Lydian=E♭ Mixolydian=F Aeolian=G Locrian

Common Tones

Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the B♭ mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.

Parallel Mode	Common Notes	Shared / 7
B♭ Phrygian	B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭	8 / 7
B♭ Lydian	B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭	8 / 7
B♭ Mixolydian	B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭	8 / 7
B♭ Locrian	B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭	8 / 7
B♭ Ionian	B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭	7 / 7
B♭ Aeolian	B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭	4 / 7

B♭ Dorian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Bb Dorian mode?

Bb Dorian contains: Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab. Second mode of Ab Major. The raised 6th (G instead of Gb) distinguishes it from Bb Natural Minor.

How does Bb Dorian differ from Bb Natural Minor?

One note: Bb Dorian has G (major 6th), Bb Natural Minor has Gb (minor 6th).

What is the parent major scale?

Bb Dorian is the second mode of Ab Major.

How is Bb Dorian used in music?

Works over Bbm7 chords. Common in jazz, R&B, and gospel. Ab Major is a popular key.

What chords are built from Bb Dorian?

Bbm, Cm, Db, Eb, Fm, Gdim, Ab. Major IV (Eb) over Bb minor is the Dorian hallmark.

What songs use the Dorian mode?

So What (Miles Davis), Oye Como Va (Santana), many jazz standards.

Practice Tips

Raise Gb to G — hear the Dorian warmth.
Bb Dorian over Bbm7 is standard in jazz and R&B.
Eb Major (IV) over Bb minor is the signature.
Practice over a Bbm7 vamp.
Common in jazz standards in Ab Major.
Compare with Bb Aeolian.