Guitar Scale Logic
A Dorian Guitar Scale in Standard
Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Standard.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------0--2--3--| B|---------------------------1--3-----------| G|------------------0--2--4-----------------| D|---------0--2--4--------------------------| A|0--2--3-----------------------------------| E|------------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The A Dorian scale uses A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G and the formula 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7. In Standard tuning, the open strings run E B G D A E from highest to lowest, with the usual guitar string intervals. Use the map to locate each A root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Dorian sounds minor but airy, with a lifted sixth. Try it for funk lines, modal jams and modern fusion phrasing. Standard tuning is E-A-D-G-B-E from low to high. Use it to compare these scale positions with most guitar lesson diagrams.
Bring out the natural 6th so it does not collapse back into natural minor. In Standard, start on a root and find the same note on another string.
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F♯
- G
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Amminor
- Am7minor 7
- Asus2sus2
- Asus4sus4
- A5power
- Bmminor
- Bm7minor 7
- Bsus4sus4
- B5power
- Cmajor