Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Dorian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning

C Dorian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning shows the same c 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: C, D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale: Bb 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

3 of the 8 open strings belong to C Dorian Scale: string 5 A (6), string 4 D (2), and string 3 G (5). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 5A6

String 4D2

String 3G5

First root on each string

String 8Fret 6

String 7Fret 1

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

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

Fret 1G5

Fret 3A6

Fret 4Bbb7

Fret 6C1

Fret 8D2

Fret 9Ebb3

Fret 11F4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Dorian Scale on the low F# string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets A on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
Connect the C root positions on strings 8 through 1 at frets 6, 1, 8, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.