Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Dorian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning

D Dorian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning shows the same d 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: D, E, F, G, A, B, C
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale: C 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

8 of the 8 open strings belong to D Dorian Scale: string 8 E (2), string 7 B (6), string 6 E (2), string 5 A (5), string 4 D (1), string 3 G (4), string 2 B (6), and string 1 E (2). D roots occur on open string 4.

String 8E2

String 7B6

String 6E2

String 5A5

String 4D1

String 3G4

String 2B6

String 1E2

First root on each string

String 8Fret 10

String 7Fret 3

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 5

String 4Open

String 3Fret 7

String 2Fret 3

String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

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

OpenE2

Fret 1Fb3

Fret 3G4

Fret 5A5

Fret 7B6

Fret 8Cb7

Fret 10D1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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