Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning

G Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning shows the same g dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B F# B E G# C#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 9 10
Parent scale
F major
Tuning
B F# B E G# C#
Strings
6
Open pitch range
B1 to C#4
24-fret range
B1 to C#6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 3E6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8
String 5Fret 1
String 4Fret 8
String 3Fret 3
String 2Fret 11
String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the G root at fret 8. On the highest C# string, the first G is at fret 6.

Fret 1C4
Fret 3D5
Fret 5E6
Fret 6Fb7
Fret 8G1
Fret 10A2
Fret 11Bbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play G Dorian Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets E on open string 3 ring, then connect it to the nearest G root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the G root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 8, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

G Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning fretboard diagram
G Dorian Scale in Drop B Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B F# B E G# C#.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with G Dorian Scale and drop b tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings