C# Major Augmented Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Major Augmented in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The C# Major Augmented scale is an unstable and rich scale used to bridge complex dominant harmonies. On Guitar, its notes are C#, D#, F, F#, A, A#, C. It provides a shifting, liquid texture to music and is used in modern classical and jazz to avoid traditional tonal resolutions. Commonly used in Jazz, Modern Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. Creates a shimmering, unresolved quality for modern jazz and classical passages.
Notes: C#, D#, F, F#, A, A#, C
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 #5 6 7
Formula: W-W-H-WH-H-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Also known as: major #5, ionian augmented, ionian #5
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
- C# Major Augmented in Standard Tuning
- C# Major Augmented in Drop D
- C# Major Augmented in DADGAD
- C# Major Augmented in Open G
- C# Major Augmented in Baritone (B Standard)
- C# Major Augmented in 7-string
- C# Major Augmented in 8-string
- C# Major Augmented in Drop C
- C# Major Augmented in Drop B
- C# Major Augmented in Half Step Down
- C# Major Augmented in Open E
- C# Major Augmented in Open A
- C# Major Augmented in Double Drop D
- C# Major Augmented in Open C