Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning

Bb Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same bb dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E 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: B F# B E G# C#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to C#4
24-fret range: B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Dorian Scale: string 2 Ab (b7) and string 1 Db (b3). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Abb7

String 1Dbb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the Bb root at fret 11. On the highest C# string, the first Bb is at fret 9.

Fret 1C2

Fret 2Dbb3

Fret 4Eb4

Fret 6F5

Fret 8G6

Fret 9Abb7

Fret 11Bb1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Dorian Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 11, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.