C Ritusen Guitar Scale — DADGAD
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
C Ritusen in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The C Ritusen scale is a traditional Japanese pentatonic scale known for its balanced and tranquil nature. On Guitar, the notes are C, D, F, G, A. It has a suspended quality that sounds very peaceful and is a core part of ancient East Asian court music and contemplative melodies. Commonly used in Japanese, World, Ambient, Film Scores. Notable players include Kitaro, Ryuichi Sakamoto. Use over sus2, sus4, and open chords. Its omission of the 3rd creates an ambiguous major/minor quality.
Notes: C, D, F, G, A
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 4P, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5
Formula: W-WH-W-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- C Ritusen in Standard Tuning
- C Ritusen in Drop D
- C Ritusen in Open G
- C Ritusen in Baritone (B Standard)
- C Ritusen in 7-string
- C Ritusen in 8-string
- C Ritusen in Drop C
- C Ritusen in Drop B
- C Ritusen in Open D
- C Ritusen in Half Step Down
- C Ritusen in Open E
- C Ritusen in Open A
- C Ritusen in Double Drop D
- C Ritusen in Open C