Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

D Dorian Guitar Scale in Open G

Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open G.

Formula 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Tuning D B G D G 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
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
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

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

Pattern shows scale notes in 0-4 frets for position 1.

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

D Dorian in Open G tuning puts the notes D, E, F, G, A, B, C under your fingers in a layout that feels minor but airy, with a lifted sixth. Open G stacks a ready-made major chord under your fingers, which changes how the neck breathes and makes partial chords and droning double-stops easier to hear. On this page you can switch between all visible notes or five smaller positions, study a pre-rendered tab pattern for each zone and match the sound against chords that stay inside the scale. Because the interval formula is 1 2 b3 4 5 6 b7, every diagram here is generated from exact semitone math instead of guessed text. Start with Position 1 to lock in the tonic, then connect Positions 2 and 3 so you can move into riffs, lead fills and improvised phrases without losing the key center.

Overview

Dorian sounds minor but airy, with a lifted sixth and is especially useful for funk lines, modal jams and modern fusion phrasing. Open G feels rootsy, slide-friendly and chord-rich.

Pro Tip

Bring out the natural 6th so it does not collapse back into natural minor. In Open G, it is great for rhythm guitar ideas that need instant harmony.

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

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

Chord options generated from the same note pool.

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

Related Pages

Related Scales