Guitar Scale Logic
D Dorian Guitar Scale in Drop D
Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Drop D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|------------------------------------------| 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 Drop D tuning, the open strings run E 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.
Dorian sounds minor but airy, with a lifted sixth. Try it for funk lines, modal jams and modern fusion phrasing. Drop D lowers the sixth string from E to D. The other five strings stay in Standard tuning, so only the low-string notes move.
Bring out the natural 6th so it does not collapse back into natural minor. In Drop D, check the sixth-string frets before reusing a Standard-tuning pattern.
- 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