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B dorian mode

The B dorian mode is B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A: seven notes, minor with a bright sixth. Its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7.

Make a beat in B minor

Opens the free editor with a trap beat in B minor to play B dorian over. No account needed to start.

The notes of B dorian

From B up to B: whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half, whole. Tap a key to hear it.

B C♯ D E F♯ G♯ A B

BDEABC♯F♯G♯
The notes of B dorian mode by scale degree
DegreeNoteFrom the root
1BRoot
2C♯Major second
♭3DMinor third
4EPerfect fourth
5F♯Perfect fifth
6G♯Major sixth
♭7AMinor seventh

How B dorian is built

The A major scale played from its second note, B: the same notes with B as home. Against B minor, the minor scale on the same note, it has G♯ instead of G.

The major scale played from its second note: a minor scale with a raised sixth. Less dark than natural minor, it is heard in funk, jazz, soul and lo-fi. The dorian mode in every key.

Chords in B dorian

One chord on each note of the scale, built from its own notes. The numeral says which note it starts on, against the B major scale: capitals are major, small letters minor.

Play B dorian over a beat

A beat on the chords of B minor. Play the scale over it on the keyboard above, then open it in the editor and add your melody as its own part.

Hear it as

Questions about B dorian

What notes are in the B dorian mode?

B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯ and A. Its formula is 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7, counted from the major scale on B, and its steps from B up to B are: whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half, whole.

What key is B dorian in?

B dorian uses the notes of A major, starting on its second note, B. The notes are the same; making B home is what gives it its own sound.

How is B dorian different from B minor?

G♯ instead of G: one note of the B minor scale changes, and that note gives B dorian its sound: minor with a bright sixth.

Build a song in B dorian

Start with the beat, then add chords, a melody and your voice in the editor, part by part.