B Minor Bebop Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
B Minor Bebop in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The B Minor Bebop scale is a variation used to navigate melodic minor harmonies in a jazz context. On Guitar, it contains the notes B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, A#. The added chromatic passing tone allows for sophisticated phrasing and ensures that the tension and resolution points are perfectly timed with the rhythm. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Contemporary. Notable players include Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield. Use over mMaj7, m6 chords. Connects melodic minor theory with bebop rhythm for advanced jazz improvisation.
Notes: B, C#, D, E, F#, G, A, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-H-H
Number of notes: 8
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 Minor Bebop in Standard Tuning
- B Minor Bebop in Drop D
- B Minor Bebop in DADGAD
- B Minor Bebop in Open G
- B Minor Bebop in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Minor Bebop in 7-string
- B Minor Bebop in 8-string
- B Minor Bebop in Drop C
- B Minor Bebop in Drop B
- B Minor Bebop in Half Step Down
- B Minor Bebop in Open E
- B Minor Bebop in Open A
- B Minor Bebop in Double Drop D
- B Minor Bebop in Open C