A# In-sen Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
A# In-sen in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The A# In-sen scale is the classic Wind Chime scale from Japan. On Guitar, the notes are A#, B, D#, F, G#. This Japanese tuning is instantly recognizable and is used globally to evoke a sense of calm, Zen-like tranquility, and natural beauty. Commonly used in Japanese, Ambient, Film Scores, New Age. Notable players include Miyavi, Kitaro. Use over sus4, m7, and drone-based harmony. Perfect for ambient and meditative music with minimal chord movement.
Notes: A#, B, D#, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 4P, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: H-4-W-WH-W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
About Open D Tuning
Open D tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D) produces a full D major chord when strummed open, creating a warm, resonant sound that has been a staple of slide guitar, folk, and acoustic music for over a century. The three D strings create a deep, droning foundation that makes even simple chord shapes sound lush and full.
Open D is closely related to Open E (same intervals, just a whole step lower) but puts less tension on the guitar neck, making it safer for acoustic instruments. It was a favorite of Joni Mitchell, who used it extensively for her unique chord voicings, and Bob Dylan, who popularized it in folk-rock. For slide players, Open D provides the same intuitive major-chord-at-any-fret approach as Open G but with a warmer, deeper character.
Notable artists: Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, Bruce Cockburn, Elmore James
Best for: Slide guitar, folk fingerpicking, singer-songwriter arrangements, and acoustic compositions with rich open-string resonance
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- A# In-sen in Standard Tuning
- A# In-sen in Drop D
- A# In-sen in DADGAD
- A# In-sen in Open G
- A# In-sen in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# In-sen in 7-string
- A# In-sen in 8-string
- A# In-sen in Drop C
- A# In-sen in Drop B
- A# In-sen in Half Step Down
- A# In-sen in Open E
- A# In-sen in Open A
- A# In-sen in Double Drop D
- A# In-sen in Open C