Open D Tuning scales
Scales for Open D tuning with diagrams and explanation.
What follows is a guide including major and pentatonic blues scales covering the alternate tuning named Open D. Notice that these instructions are invalid for guitars in standard tuning.
Major scale
D Major is obviously the key scale for this particular tuning and its scale can be played in open position.
Two-octaves shape, open position
The fingerboard diagram below shows a D Major scale with all root notes on open strings.
Notes: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C#
Intervals: 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1
Type: Septonic
Whole fretboard
Blues scale
The Blues scale in D can be played in open position.
Two-octaves shape, open position
The fingerboard diagram below shows a D Pentatonic Blues scale in Open D tuning.
Notes: D - F - G - Ab - A - C
Intervals: 3 - 2 - 1 - 1 - 3 - 2
Type: Hexatonic
Whole fretboard
Start the audio and play along! Use notes from the scale in the diagram above.
Normal tempo:Go to Jam Tracks section for more guitar jam tracks!