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#, 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
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

5 of the 8 open strings belong to C# Dorian Scale: string 8 F# (4), 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 8F#4
String 7Bb7
String 6Eb3
String 2Bb7
String 1Eb3

First root on each string

String 8Fret 7
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 F# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the C# root at fret 7. On the highest E string, the first C# is at fret 9.

OpenF#4
Fret 2G#5
Fret 4A#6
Fret 5Bb7
Fret 7C#1
Fret 9D#2
Fret 10Eb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play C# Dorian Scale on the low F# string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets F# on open string 8 ring, then connect it to the nearest C# root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the C# root positions on strings 8 through 1 at frets 7, 2, 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C# Dorian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
C# Dorian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing F# B E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Dorian Scale and 8-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings