Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Dorian Scale in Open D Tuning

C Dorian Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same c dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D 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: D A D F# A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to C Dorian Scale: string 6 D (2), string 5 A (6), string 4 D (2), string 2 A (6), and string 1 D (2). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6D2

String 5A6

String 4D2

String 2A6

String 1D2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 3

String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the C root at fret 10. On the highest D string, the first C is at fret 10.

OpenD2

Fret 1Ebb3

Fret 3F4

Fret 5G5

Fret 7A6

Fret 8Bbb7

Fret 10C1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Dorian Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D 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 10, 3, 10, 6, 3, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.