Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning

C Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same c 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: 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: 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

None of the 6 open strings belongs to C Dorian Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low B string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1

String 5Fret 6

String 4Fret 1

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 4

String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the C root at fret 1. On the highest C# string, the first C is at fret 11.

Fret 1C1

Fret 3D2

Fret 4Ebb3

Fret 6F4

Fret 8G5

Fret 10A6

Fret 11Bbb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Dorian Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest C root each time the line changes strings.
Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 8, 4, and 11, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.