A-Dorian Scale Degrees on the Guitar Fretboard

Map of all intervals of the A-Dorian scale across the entire fretboard.

A-Dorian is the 2nd relative mode of the G-Major scale and consists of the following notes: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G.
Its degrees formula is: 1-2-b3-4-5-6-b7.

Note: Intervals are given as scale degrees relative to the Major scale. These are the same scale degrees which are often used to write scale formulas and chords which is very handy as you don't need to make any conversion between the formulas and the diagram.

How You Can Use This Chart

• Visualize and memorize the locations of degrees of the A-Dorian scale across the entire fretboard.
• Find different chord voicings, inversions or shapes that fit in the A-Dorian scale.
• Improvise over an A-Dorian backing track by playing any notes from the diagram.
• Break free from playing the scales using the boxed patterns.
• Find convenient patterns to play common arpeggios that are available in the A-Dorian scale.
• Memorize notes of the scale one string at a time.
• Learn the intervallic pattern of whole and half-steps of the scale using one string only.

But you are free and encouraged to come up with other uses as well and share them in the comment section below, I'd be happy to read your ideas. That way you are also sharing your experience with the rest of the community.

The Perks

• This diagram allows you to play the scale "horizontally" across the entire fretboard as opposed to playing it "vertically" in a box-like scale pattern. This is what gives you absolute and unconstrained freedom of movement.
• You don't necessarily need to know the location of individual notes on the fretboard to explore the scale and experiment with chord voicings.
• Instead of playing notes in isolation, you begin to focus more on the available intervals within the scale or chord, their colors, tensions, how they relate to each other, and what you can do with them to get the effect you're after.

Features and Benefits of the Chart

• Notes As Intervals. All notes of the scale are shown as intervals (scale degrees relative to the Major scale). Presenting them this way, rather than using concrete note names, allows you to target specific degrees of the scale and easily make adjustments to the scale patterns when needed.
• Scale Formula: Notes that make up the A-Dorian scale and its degrees formula are conveniently placed right above the diagram so that you don't need to look up another reference.
• 12 and 24 Frets: The charts are available in two variations: as 12 frets and as 24 frets.
• Highlighted Roots. Knowing where the root notes are is what differs this scale from any other scale within the same family of scales (i.e. relative modes). So it is very important to be aware of where your roots are and this chart allows you to locate them effortlessly.
• Doubled Frets: Fret numbers are provided both below and above the diagram, offering additional visual cues to pinpoint your location and navigate the fretboard with even greater ease.