Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Dorian Scale in Drop D Tuning

G Dorian Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same g dorian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. 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: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6D5

String 5A2

String 4D5

String 3G1

String 1E6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 5

String 3Open

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 3

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the G root at fret 5. On the highest E string, the first G is at fret 3.

OpenD5

Fret 2E6

Fret 3Fb7

Fret 5G1

Fret 7A2

Fret 8Bbb3

Fret 10C4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play G Dorian Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest G root and two other scale tones.
Connect the G root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 5, 10, 5, 0, 8, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.