B Lydian Diminished Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
B Lydian Diminished in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The B Lydian Diminished scale is a synthetic scale that blends the ethereal brightness of Lydian with the tension of a minor third. On Guitar, it contains the notes B, C#, D, F, F#, G#, A#. It is used to create a mysterious, neo-classical atmosphere that feels both ancient and modern at the same time. Commonly used in Film Scores, Neo-Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Danny Elfman, Bela Bartok. Use over m(Maj7), mMaj7#11 chords. A specialized color for neo-classical and cinematic passages.
Notes: B, C#, D, F, F#, G#, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-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
- B Lydian Diminished in Standard Tuning
- B Lydian Diminished in Drop D
- B Lydian Diminished in DADGAD
- B Lydian Diminished in Open G
- B Lydian Diminished in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Lydian Diminished in 7-string
- B Lydian Diminished in 8-string
- B Lydian Diminished in Drop C
- B Lydian Diminished in Drop B
- B Lydian Diminished in Half Step Down
- B Lydian Diminished in Open E
- B Lydian Diminished in Open A
- B Lydian Diminished in Double Drop D
- B Lydian Diminished in Open C