D Persian Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
D Persian in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The D Persian scale is an exotic and highly symmetrical scale that evokes an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. On Guitar, it contains the notes D, Eb, F#, G, Ab, Bb, C#. Its dense semitones and wide intervals create a winding, hypnotic melodic path that sounds both ancient and mystical. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Ambient. Notable players include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Buckethead. Use over sustained root notes or drones. Works best in modal, non-functional harmony where the exotic intervals can breathe.
Notes: D, Eb, F#, G, Ab, Bb, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-H-W-WH-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.
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 Persian in Standard Tuning
- D Persian in Drop D
- D Persian in DADGAD
- D Persian in Open G
- D Persian in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Persian in 7-string
- D Persian in 8-string
- D Persian in Drop C
- D Persian in Drop B
- D Persian in Half Step Down
- D Persian in Open E
- D Persian in Open A
- D Persian in Double Drop D
- D Persian in Open C