Guitar Scale Logic
F Dorian Guitar Scale in Open C
Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|1--3--4--| C|---------| G|---------| C|---------| G|---------| C|---------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 3 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The F Dorian scale uses F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭ 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 F 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.
- F
- G
- A♭
- B♭
- C
- D
- E♭
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Fmminor
- Fm7minor 7
- Fsus2sus2
- Fsus4sus4
- F5power
- Gmminor
- Gm7minor 7
- Gsus4sus4
- G5power
- A♭major