Guitar Scale Logic
D Dorian Guitar Scale in Open D
Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |---------------------------------------0--| A |---------------------------------2--3-----| F#|---------------------------1--3-----------| 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 Open D tuning, the open strings run D A F# 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. Open D is D-A-D-F#-A-D from low to high. Its open strings form a D major chord, which you can use alongside fretted melody notes.
Bring out the natural 6th so it does not collapse back into natural minor. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- 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