D# Major Augmented Guitar Scale — DADGAD
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Major Augmented in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The D# Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Guitar, its notes are D#, F, G, G#, B, C, D. It provides a shifting, liquid texture to music and is used in modern classical and jazz to avoid traditional tonal resolutions. Commonly used in Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Notes: D#, F, G, G#, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-WH-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
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
- D# Major Augmented in Standard Tuning
- D# Major Augmented in Drop D
- D# Major Augmented in Open G
- D# Major Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Major Augmented in 7-string
- D# Major Augmented in 8-string
- D# Major Augmented in Drop C
- D# Major Augmented in Drop B
- D# Major Augmented in Open D
- D# Major Augmented in Half Step Down
- D# Major Augmented in Open E
- D# Major Augmented in Open A
- D# Major Augmented in Double Drop D
- D# Major Augmented in Open C