Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Dorian Scale in Open A Tuning

C# Dorian Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same c# dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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 A E A C# E
Strings
6
Open pitch range
E2 to E4
24-fret range
E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to C# Dorian Scale: string 6 E (b3), string 4 E (b3), string 2 C# (1), and string 1 E (b3). C# roots occur on open string 2.

String 6Eb3
String 4Eb3
String 2C#1
String 1Eb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9
String 5Fret 4
String 4Fret 9
String 3Fret 4
String 2Open
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

  1. 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.
  2. Build a phrase that lets E on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest C# root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the C# root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 9, 4, 0, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

C# Dorian Scale in Open A Tuning fretboard diagram
C# Dorian Scale in Open A Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing E A E A C# E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Dorian Scale and open a tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings