Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Dorian Scale in D Standard Tuning

Eb Dorian Scale in D Standard Tuning shows the same eb dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D G C F A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
Eb, F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
Db major
Tuning
D G C F A D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to Eb Dorian Scale: string 4 C (6) and string 3 F (2). None of those open-string tones is the Eb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 4C6
String 3F2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1
String 5Fret 8
String 4Fret 3
String 3Fret 10
String 2Fret 6
String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the Eb root at fret 1. On the highest D string, the first Eb is at fret 1.

Fret 1Eb1
Fret 3F2
Fret 4Gbb3
Fret 6Ab4
Fret 8Bb5
Fret 10C6
Fret 11Dbb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

Eb Dorian Scale in D Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
Eb Dorian Scale in D Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D G C F A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Eb Dorian Scale and d standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings