A# Lydian Augmented Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
A# Lydian Augmented in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The A# Lydian Augmented scale is a majestic and highly dissonant scale used over major-augmented chords. On Guitar, it contains the notes A#, C, D, E, E##, G, A. Its sharp fourth and fifth degrees create a powerful, otherworldly sound that is often used in epic cinematic scores and advanced jazz fusion. Commonly used in Film Scores, Jazz, Fusion, Progressive. Notable players include John Williams, Wayne Shorter, Joe Satriani. Use over Maj7#5, Maj7#11 chords. Perfect for epic, cinematic moments that need to feel larger than life.
Notes: A#, C, D, E, E##, G, A
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4A, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 #4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-W-W-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
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# Lydian Augmented in Standard Tuning
- A# Lydian Augmented in Drop D
- A# Lydian Augmented in DADGAD
- A# Lydian Augmented in Open G
- A# Lydian Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- A# Lydian Augmented in 7-string
- A# Lydian Augmented in 8-string
- A# Lydian Augmented in Drop C
- A# Lydian Augmented in Drop B
- A# Lydian Augmented in Half Step Down
- A# Lydian Augmented in Open E
- A# Lydian Augmented in Open A
- A# Lydian Augmented in Double Drop D
- A# Lydian Augmented in Open C