What is the B Ukrainian Dorian Scale?

The Ukrainian Dorian scale (also called Romanian Minor or Altered Dorian) combines Dorian's raised 6th with a raised 4th, creating a distinctly Eastern European melancholic sound with hints of brightness.

Interval Pattern: W-H-3H-H-W-H-W

Scale Notes and Intervals

B Ukrainian Dorian

Melancholic
B 1
C# 2
D 3
E# 4
F# 5
G# 6
A 7
Notes:
B -C# -D -E# -F# -G# -A
Intervals:
WHAHWH W

Keyboard Visualization

How to Play B Ukrainian Dorian on Piano

Scale Properties

Mood

Melancholic

Character

Eastern European minor

Genres

World, Folk

Notes in Scale

7 notes: B, C#, D, E#, F#, G#, A

Category

Hungarian

Intervals

W-H-3H-H-W-H-W

History and Origins

The Background of the Ukrainian Dorian Scale

Found throughout Ukrainian, Romanian, and Jewish folk music traditions. Its unique combination of intervals creates a sound that is unmistakably Eastern European, carrying centuries of cultural heritage.

Musical Characteristics

Key Features of the B Ukrainian Dorian Scale

  • Dorian with raised 4th
  • Eastern European folk character
  • Melancholic yet hopeful
  • Distinctive klezmer sound

Famous Songs Using This Scale

Popular Tracks in B Ukrainian Dorian

  • Ukrainian folk songs
  • Klezmer music
  • Romanian folk dances
  • Fiddler on the Roof (stylistically)

Playing Tips

How to Practice the B Ukrainian Dorian Scale

The raised 4th in a Dorian context creates a unique bittersweet quality. Essential for authentic Eastern European and Jewish music sounds. Emphasize the #4 to bring out the distinctive character.

Circle of Fifths Position

B in the Circle of Fifths

CGDAEBF#C#G#EbBbE#AmEmBmF#mC#mG#mD#mBbmE#mCmGmDmBminor
Major
Minor
Selected

Transpose to Other Keys

Ukrainian Dorian Scale in All 12 Keys

Related Scales

Similar Scales in the Key of B

Scale Diagram

B Ukrainian Dorian Keyboard Diagram

B Ukrainian Dorian scale shown on piano keyboard with notes B, C#, D, E#, F#, G#, A highlighted