Guitar Scale Logic
F Dorian Guitar Scale in Open D
Dorian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |------------------------------------1--3--| A |------------------------------3--5--------| F#|------------------------2--4--------------| D |---------------1--3--5--------------------| A |------1--3--5-----------------------------| D |3--5--------------------------------------|
1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 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 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 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 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.
- 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