D Chromatic Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
D Chromatic in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The D Chromatic scale is the collection of all twelve notes available in Western music. On Guitar, the notes are D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, C#. It offers the maximum possible density and is used for total melodic flexibility, fluid shifting between keys, and adding intense color to simpler melodies. Commonly used in Classical, Jazz, Metal, Experimental. Notable players include Franz Liszt, Charlie Parker, Yngwie Malmsteen. Context-dependent — works as a passing device over any harmony. Not a 'soloing' scale but a coloring tool. Great for chromatic approach notes.
Notes: D, Eb, E, F, F#, G, Ab, A, Bb, B, C, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 2M, 3m, 3M, 4P, 5d, 5P, 6m, 6M, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 b4 5 6 7 8 b9 10 b11 12
Formula: H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H-H
Number of notes: 12
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
- D Chromatic in Standard Tuning
- D Chromatic in Drop D
- D Chromatic in DADGAD
- D Chromatic in Open G
- D Chromatic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Chromatic in 7-string
- D Chromatic in 8-string
- D Chromatic in Drop C
- D Chromatic in Drop B
- D Chromatic in Half Step Down
- D Chromatic in Open E
- D Chromatic in Open A
- D Chromatic in Double Drop D
- D Chromatic in Open C