D Mystery #1 Guitar Scale — Open D

Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram

D Mystery #1 in Open D — Notes and Intervals

The D Mystery #1 scale is a rare and experimental synthetic scale found in modern music theory. On Guitar, its notes are D, Eb, F#, Ab, Bb, C. It is typically associated with generative music and computer-aided composition where traditional rules of melody and harmony are intentionally broken. Commonly used in Experimental, Computer Music, Avant-Garde. Used in experimental, non-functional contexts. A compositional curiosity for exploring unconventional melodic paths.

Notes: D, Eb, F#, Ab, Bb, C

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5d, 6m, 7m

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5 b6

Formula: H-WH-W-W-W-W

Number of notes: 6

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