3NPS System Dorian Scale Patterns (With Intervals)

In this reference chart you'll learn all 7 guitar patterns of the 3NPS system for the Dorian scale—the 2nd mode of the Major scale.

3NPS stands for "3-notes-per-string" and is a system of scale patterns which is often used for playing fast technical runs (commonly referred to as shredding). So if that's your current area of interest then 3NPS excels at this. Of course, you can use 3NPS to play at any speed you like, not only fast, and simply benefit from the consistent nature of this system.

Degrees formula of the Dorian scale is: 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7.

Features and Benefits of the Chart

• Shred. A consistent system of scale patterns for the Dorian scale that allow you to play at higher speeds.
• 7 Shapes. Provides a full set of seven 3NPS shapes for the Dorian scale arranged on a single printable page.
• Diagonal. Patterns are arranged diagonally to provide a clear visualization of how they progress along the fretboard and where they line up.
• Adjacent Patterns. Includes a separate chart variation that allows you to peak into adjacent patterns without stealing focus from the pattern you are currently playing.
• From 7 Patterns to 3. To let you save time and learn even more effectively early on, four patterns are marked with an asterisk to inform you that they have too many overlapping notes and can be omitted. The remaining 3 patterns cover 95% of the fretboard.
• Movable Shapes. You can shift any shape so that its root note aligns with the root note of your choice.
• Notes As Intervals. All notes of the scale are shown as intervals (scale degrees relative to the Major scale). Having them visible instead of concrete note names allows you to target specific degrees of the scale and also easily make the necessary adjustments to the scale patterns when needed.
• Highlighted Roots. Knowing where the roots are is what differs this scale from any other scale within the same family, so it is very important to be aware of where they are in each pattern and this chart delivers.
• Scale Formula. Dorian scale degrees formula is conveniently placed right above the diagrams so that you don't need to look up another reference.
• Fret Numbers. Chart variation with fret numbers gives a little extra help in navigating the fretboard, but at the expense of consuming the precious whitespace. So if you find it distracting, a variation without fret numbers is included as well.