How to Play a B Dorian Scale on Piano

Learning to play a B Dorian scale on the piano is best mastered by paying attention to accurate finger crossings and an abnormally high raised wrist. B Dorian is the second mode of the A major scale, and as such has three shards in the key signature (F#, C#, G#). There are three black keys and four white keys in this scale. The location of the black keys as you ascend and descend the scale forces your fingers to cross at awkward positions that are exclusive to this scale. An elevated wrist and fluid forearm are required to master B Dorian.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice with your right hand only. Place your thumb on B4. Ascend a minor third interval through B, C# and D. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to E4. Ascend the remaining perfect fifth of the scale through E, F#, G#, A and B. your pinkie should land on B5. As your depress the last two black keys (F#, G#), keep your wrist elevated quite high so that the finger crossing and eventual octave turn go smoothly.

2. Descend the B Dorian scale a perfect fifth interval through the notes B, A, G#, F#, and E. When you pass through A and G# with your ring finger and middle finger, respectively, keep your forearm stable so that your weak fingers aren't hitting neighboring notes that are inaccurate. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to D4. Descend the last minor third interval of the scale through D, C# and B. Your thumb should ultimately land on B4.

3. Practice with your left hand. Place your ringer on B3 to start. Ascend a perfect fourth interval through B, C#, D and E. Cross your ring finger over your thumb to F#3. This is a very wide crossing so slightly turn your wrist to the right during the crossing to make it easier. Ascend another perfect fourth interval through F#, G#, A and B. Your thumb should land on B3 before you stop.

4. Descend the B Dorian scale with your left hand. Come down a perfect fourth interval through B, A, G# and F#. Bring your thumb under your ring finger to E3. Descend the remaining perfect fourth interval through E, D, C# and B. Your ring finger should be in its original starting position on B3.

5. Practice this scale with both hands simultaneously at a beginning tempo of no more than 75 beats per minute. Slowly increase the tempo on your metronome to no more than 160 beats per minute.