Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Dorian Scale in Drop C Tuning

C Dorian Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same c 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: 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: C G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to C Dorian Scale: string 6 C (1), string 5 G (5), string 4 C (1), string 3 F (4), string 2 A (6), and string 1 D (2). C roots occur on open strings 6 and 4.

String 6C1

String 5G5

String 4C1

String 3F4

String 2A6

String 1D2

First root on each string

String 6Open

String 5Fret 5

String 4Open

String 3Fret 7

String 2Fret 3

String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the C root at fret 0. On the highest D string, the first C is at fret 10.

OpenC1

Fret 2D2

Fret 3Ebb3

Fret 5F4

Fret 7G5

Fret 9A6

Fret 10Bbb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Dorian Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 0, 5, 0, 7, 3, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.