D Flamenco Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
D Flamenco in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The D Flamenco scale is the emotional heart of Spanish music. On Guitar, the notes are D, Eb, F, F#, G#, A, C. Closely related to the Phrygian system, it is designed to convey deep pathos, rhythmic intensity, and the passionate duende characteristic of traditional guitar styles. Commonly used in Flamenco, Latin, Classical Guitar, World. Notable players include Paco de Lucia, Tomatito, Vicente Amigo, Al Di Meola. Use over flamenco chord progressions (Am-G-F-E type). The scale supports both the melancholic phrygian passages and the explosive major-chord rasgueados.
Notes: D, Eb, F, F#, G#, A, C
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 #5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-H-W-H-WH-W
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
- D Flamenco in Standard Tuning
- D Flamenco in Drop D
- D Flamenco in DADGAD
- D Flamenco in Open G
- D Flamenco in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Flamenco in 7-string
- D Flamenco in 8-string
- D Flamenco in Drop C
- D Flamenco in Drop B
- D Flamenco in Half Step Down
- D Flamenco in Open E
- D Flamenco in Open A
- D Flamenco in Double Drop D
- D Flamenco in Open C