Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Dorian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

Bb Dorian Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same bb dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. 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# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C#2 to D#4
24-fret range
C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Dorian Scale: string 6 Db (b3), string 5 Ab (b7), string 4 Db (b3), string 2 Bb (1), and string 1 Eb (4). Bb roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Dbb3
String 5Abb7
String 4Dbb3
String 2Bb1
String 1Eb4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9
String 5Fret 2
String 4Fret 9
String 3Fret 4
String 2Open
String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Bb root at fret 9. On the highest D# string, the first Bb is at fret 7.

OpenDbb3
Fret 2Eb4
Fret 4F5
Fret 6G6
Fret 7Abb7
Fret 9Bb1
Fret 11C2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Bb Dorian Scale on the low C# string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Db 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 9, 2, 9, 4, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Dorian Scale in Drop C# Tuning fretboard diagram
Bb Dorian Scale in Drop C# Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing C# G# C# F# A# D#.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings