Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Dorian Scale in Open E Tuning

Bb Dorian Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same bb dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B E. 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
E B E G# B E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
E2 to E4
24-fret range
E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Dorian Scale: string 3 Ab (b7). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3Abb7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6
String 5Fret 11
String 4Fret 6
String 3Fret 2
String 2Fret 11
String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the Bb root at fret 6. On the highest E string, the first Bb is at fret 6.

Fret 1F5
Fret 3G6
Fret 4Abb7
Fret 6Bb1
Fret 8C2
Fret 9Dbb3
Fret 11Eb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Bb Dorian Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Ab on open string 3 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 6, 11, 6, 2, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Dorian Scale in Open E Tuning fretboard diagram
Bb Dorian Scale in Open E Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing E B E G# B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

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

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings