C Lydian Diminished Guitar Scale — Open D

Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram

C Lydian Diminished in Open D — Notes and Intervals

The C 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 C, D, Eb, F#, G, A, B. 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: C, D, Eb, F#, G, A, B

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.

FolkBluesSlide GuitarAcousticSinger-SongwriterCountry

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

← All Guitar scales in Open D tuning