Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Dorian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning

C# Dorian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning shows the same c# dorian scale pitch classes across 8 strings tuned E 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#, E, F#, G#, A#, B
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale: B major
Tuning: E B E A D G B E
Strings: 8
Open pitch range: E1 to E4
24-fret range: E1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 8 open strings belong to C# Dorian Scale: string 8 E (b3), string 7 B (b7), string 6 E (b3), string 2 B (b7), and string 1 E (b3). None of those open-string tones is the C# root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 8Eb3

String 7Bb7

String 6Eb3

String 2Bb7

String 1Eb3

First root on each string

String 8Fret 9

String 7Fret 2

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the C# root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first C# is at fret 9.

OpenEb3

Fret 2F#4

Fret 4G#5

Fret 6A#6

Fret 7Bb7

Fret 9C#1

Fret 11D#2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C# Dorian Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets E on open string 8 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 9, 2, 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.