D# Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale — Open C
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Harmonic Minor in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D# Harmonic Minor scale is a variation of the minor scale that introduces a strong leading tone. On Guitar, the notes are D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, D. It has a distinctive exotic or Middle Eastern flavor due to the wide gap between its upper notes, and is used to provide the harmonic tension necessary for classical minor-key resolutions. It is a staple in neo-classical metal and flamenco. The diatonic chords of D# Harmonic Minor are D#mMaj7, Fm7b5, F#+maj7, G#m7, A#7, Bmaj7, Do7. Commonly used in Metal, Classical, Flamenco, Film Scores, Neoclassical. Notable players include Yngwie Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore, Johann Sebastian Bach. Use over m(Maj7), m7, dim7 chords. Essential for creating V7 → i resolutions in minor keys. The raised 7th provides the leading tone that natural minor lacks.
Notes: D#, F, F#, G#, A#, B, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Diatonic Chords
D♯mMaj7 — Fm7♭5 — F♯+maj7 — G♯m7 — A♯7 — Bmaj7 — Do7
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
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Harmonic Minor in Standard Tuning
- D# Harmonic Minor in Drop D
- D# Harmonic Minor in DADGAD
- D# Harmonic Minor in Open G
- D# Harmonic Minor in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Harmonic Minor in 7-string
- D# Harmonic Minor in 8-string
- D# Harmonic Minor in Drop C
- D# Harmonic Minor in Drop B
- D# Harmonic Minor in Open D
- D# Harmonic Minor in Half Step Down
- D# Harmonic Minor in Open E
- D# Harmonic Minor in Open A
- D# Harmonic Minor in Double Drop D