Guitar Scale Logic
C Dorian Guitar Scale in Whole Step Down
Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Whole Step Down.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D|------------------------0--1--3--| A|------------------1--3-----------| F|---------0--2--4-----------------| C|0--2--3--------------------------| G|---------------------------------| D|---------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C Dorian scale uses C, D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭ and the formula 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7. In Whole Step Down tuning, the open strings run D A F C G D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each C 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. Whole Step Down lowers every string by two semitones. The string relationships stay the same as Standard tuning.
Bring out the natural 6th so it does not collapse back into natural minor. In Whole Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds a whole tone lower.
- C
- D
- E♭
- F
- G
- A
- B♭
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Cmminor
- Cm7minor 7
- Csus2sus2
- Csus4sus4
- C5power
- Dmminor
- Dm7minor 7
- Dsus4sus4
- D5power
- E♭major