F# Dorian Scale Exercise for 5 String Bass

This post lays out a simple F# Dorian scale exercise for 5 string bass players.

Dorian is the 2nd mode of the Major scale. F# Dorian starts on the 2nd note of E Major. Dorian is considered a “minor mode” since its 3rd is minor – A is the minor 3rd of F# in this case. The notes of this scale are F#, G#, A, B, C#, D#, E, and F# (an octave higher).

This exercise follows on from our E Major scale exercise, so you may want to check out that post too.

Before playing the notes on your bass, take a minute to review the score and tablature (tab). Click the score to make it larger.

Notice our use of consistent fretting-hand fingerings across all five strings. The idea is to make our pattern relatively easy to remember and to minimize any uncomfortable stretches. In this case (the Dorian scale or mode), we apply the 1-3-4 fingering, or Index, Ring, Pinky.

We have annotated each note with the appropriate letter name – F#, G#, etc. Each root note, F#, is colored blue. Shift points are annotated with “slide” markings, i.e., shift up /, and shift down \. For this scale, we always shift on the Index finger. I recommend starting by plucking each note. Then try sliding into the notes following the shift points for more of a legato feel.

If you found this Dorian scale exercise for 5 string bass useful, or if you have suggestions on how to improve it, please leave a comment.