Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Dorian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning

A Dorian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same a dorian scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned B E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
A, B, C, D, E, F#, G
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
G major
Tuning
B E A D G B E
Strings
7
Open pitch range
B1 to E4
24-fret range
B1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

7 of the 7 open strings belong to A Dorian Scale: string 7 B (2), string 6 E (5), string 5 A (1), string 4 D (4), string 3 G (b7), string 2 B (2), and string 1 E (5). A roots occur on open string 5.

String 7B2
String 6E5
String 5A1
String 4D4
String 3Gb7
String 2B2
String 1E5

First root on each string

String 7Fret 10
String 6Fret 5
String 5Open
String 4Fret 7
String 3Fret 2
String 2Fret 10
String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the A root at fret 10. On the highest E string, the first A is at fret 5.

OpenB2
Fret 1Cb3
Fret 3D4
Fret 5E5
Fret 7F#6
Fret 8Gb7
Fret 10A1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play A Dorian Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets B on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the A root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 10, 5, 0, 7, 2, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

A Dorian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
A Dorian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with A Dorian Scale and 7-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings