D# Dorian B2 Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Dorian B2 in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D# Dorian B2 scale is a soulful mode from the melodic minor system that combines the minor brightness of Dorian with the dark tension of a flattened second. On Guitar, the notes are D#, E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#. It is used in modern jazz and film scores to create a sound that is both sophisticated and slightly unsettling. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Fusion, Contemporary. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Kenny Garrett, Brad Mehldau. Use over m7, m9, sus(b9) chords. Works on the ii chord in a minor ii-V-i when you want extra tension.
Notes: D#, E, F#, G#, A#, C, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: phrygian #6, melodic minor second mode
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
Combines Dorian's soulful minor with the exotic tension of a b2, creating a sound that is both sophisticated and slightly sinister — a favorite for film noir and modern jazz.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Dorian B2 in Standard Tuning
- D# Dorian B2 in Drop D
- D# Dorian B2 in DADGAD
- D# Dorian B2 in Open G
- D# Dorian B2 in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Dorian B2 in 7-string
- D# Dorian B2 in 8-string
- D# Dorian B2 in Drop C
- D# Dorian B2 in Drop B
- D# Dorian B2 in Open D
- D# Dorian B2 in Half Step Down
- D# Dorian B2 in Open E
- D# Dorian B2 in Open A
- D# Dorian B2 in Double Drop D