Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Dorian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning

B Dorian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning shows the same b dorian scale pitch classes across 8 strings tuned F# B E A D G B E. The seventh and eighth strings extend the pattern into the lower register for wider-range riffs and chord voicings.

Scale notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G#, A
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale: A major
Tuning: F# B E A D G B E
Strings: 8
Open pitch range: F#1 to E4
24-fret range: F#1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

7 of the 8 open strings belong to B Dorian Scale: string 8 F# (5), string 7 B (1), string 6 E (4), string 5 A (b7), string 4 D (b3), string 2 B (1), and string 1 E (4). B roots occur on open strings 7 and 2.

String 8F#5

String 7B1

String 6E4

String 5Ab7

String 4Db3

String 2B1

String 1E4

First root on each string

String 8Fret 5

String 7Open

String 6Fret 7

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 4

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest F# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the B root at fret 5. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

OpenF#5

Fret 2G#6

Fret 3Ab7

Fret 5B1

Fret 7C#2

Fret 8Db3

Fret 10E4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play B Dorian Scale on the low F# string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets F# on open string 8 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
Connect the B root positions on strings 8 through 1 at frets 5, 0, 7, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.