Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Dorian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning

E Dorian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning shows the same e 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: E, F#, G, A, B, C#, D
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale: D 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 E Dorian Scale: string 8 E (1), string 7 B (5), string 6 E (1), string 5 A (4), string 4 D (b7), string 3 G (b3), string 2 B (5), and string 1 E (1). E roots occur on open strings 8, 6, and 1.

String 8E1

String 7B5

String 6E1

String 5A4

String 4Db7

String 3Gb3

String 2B5

String 1E1

First root on each string

String 8Open

String 7Fret 5

String 6Open

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 9

String 2Fret 5

String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the E root at fret 0. On the highest E string, the first E is at fret 0.

OpenE1

Fret 2F#2

Fret 3Gb3

Fret 5A4

Fret 7B5

Fret 9C#6

Fret 10Db7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Dorian Scale on the low E string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 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 E root and two other scale tones.
Connect the E root positions on strings 8 through 1 at frets 0, 5, 0, 7, 2, 9, 5, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.