Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Dorian Scale in C Standard Tuning

Bb Dorian Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same bb dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
Bb, C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
Ab major
Tuning
C F Bb Eb G C
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C2 to C4
24-fret range
C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Dorian Scale: string 6 C (2), string 5 F (5), string 4 Bb (1), string 3 Eb (4), string 2 G (6), and string 1 C (2). Bb roots occur on open string 4.

String 6C2
String 5F5
String 4Bb1
String 3Eb4
String 2G6
String 1C2

First root on each string

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

Low-string pattern

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

OpenC2
Fret 1Dbb3
Fret 3Eb4
Fret 5F5
Fret 7G6
Fret 8Abb7
Fret 10Bb1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Bb Dorian Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 5, 0, 7, 3, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Dorian Scale in C Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
Bb Dorian Scale in C Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C F Bb Eb G C.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Bb Dorian Scale and c standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

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Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings