Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Dorian Scale in DADGAD Tuning

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

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

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to F Dorian Scale: string 6 D (6), string 4 D (6), string 3 G (2), and string 1 D (6). None of those open-string tones is the F root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6D6
String 4D6
String 3G2
String 1D6

First root on each string

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

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, with the F root at fret 3. On the highest D string, the first F is at fret 3.

OpenD6
Fret 1Ebb7
Fret 3F1
Fret 5G2
Fret 6Abb3
Fret 8Bb4
Fret 10C5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

F Dorian Scale in DADGAD Tuning fretboard diagram
F Dorian Scale in DADGAD Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D G A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with F Dorian Scale and dadgad tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings