Guitar Scale Logic
D# Dorian Guitar Scale in Open C
Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------------| C|---------------------------------1--3--| G|------------------------1--3--5--------| C|---------------1--3--5-----------------| G|------1--3--5--------------------------| C|3--5-----------------------------------|
1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 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 C tuning, the open strings run E C G C G C 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 C is C-G-C-G-C-E from low to high. Its open strings form a C major chord, with C on three strings.
Bring out the natural 6th so it does not collapse back into natural minor. In Open C, use the three open C strings to check the roots when practising in C.
- D♯
- E♯
- F♯
- G♯
- A♯
- B♯
- C♯
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- D♯mminor
- D♯m7minor 7
- D♯sus2sus2
- D♯sus4sus4
- D♯5power
- E♯mminor
- E♯m7minor 7
- E♯sus4sus4
- E♯5power
- F♯major