Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

D Dorian Guitar Scale in Double Drop D

Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Double Drop D.

Formula 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Tuning D B G D A D
Scale Notes 7 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
B B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
G G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
D D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
A A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
D D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D|------------------------------------------|
B|------------------------------------1--3--|
G|---------------------------0--2--4--------|
D|------------------0--2--3-----------------|
A|---------0--2--3--------------------------|
D|0--2--3-----------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The D Dorian scale uses D, E, F, G, A, B, C and the formula 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7. In Double Drop D tuning, the open strings run D B G D A D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each D root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

Dorian sounds minor but airy, with a lifted sixth. Try it for funk lines, modal jams and modern fusion phrasing. Double Drop D lowers both E strings to D and leaves the middle four strings unchanged. The two outer strings now share the same note name.

Practice Tip

Bring out the natural 6th so it does not collapse back into natural minor. In Double Drop D, check both outer strings, since their notes differ from Standard tuning.

  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • A
  • B
  • C

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • Dmminor
  • Dm7minor 7
  • Dsus2sus2
  • Dsus4sus4
  • D5power
  • Emminor
  • Em7minor 7
  • Esus4sus4
  • E5power
  • Fmajor

Related Pages

Related Scales