D Scriabin Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
D Scriabin in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The D Scriabin scale is a synthetic six-note scale that reflects Alexander Scriabin's interest in creating a new harmonic language. On Guitar, its notes are D, Eb, F#, A, B. It acts as a bridge between different symmetrical worlds, offering a unique, hovering sound. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental. Notable players include Alexander Scriabin. Use in experimental and avant-garde contexts. Not designed for standard chord-scale theory.
Notes: D, Eb, F#, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: H-WH-WH-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
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 Scriabin in Standard Tuning
- D Scriabin in Drop D
- D Scriabin in DADGAD
- D Scriabin in Open G
- D Scriabin in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Scriabin in 7-string
- D Scriabin in 8-string
- D Scriabin in Drop C
- D Scriabin in Drop B
- D Scriabin in Half Step Down
- D Scriabin in Open E
- D Scriabin in Open A
- D Scriabin in Double Drop D
- D Scriabin in Open C