D# Enigmatic Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Enigmatic in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The D# Enigmatic scale was invented as a musical puzzle and famously used by Giuseppe Verdi. On Guitar, the notes are D#, E, G, A, B, C#, D. It has an unstable and surreal sound because it lacks the traditional fourth and fifth degrees, creating a gliding effect that challenges the listener's expectations. Commonly used in Classical, Experimental, Film Scores. Notable players include Giuseppe Verdi, Igor Stravinsky. Not chord-specific — this is a melodic scale for creating surreal, non-functional passages. Use over sustained pedal tones or atonal contexts.
Notes: D#, E, G, A, B, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5d, 6m, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-W-W-W-H-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# Enigmatic in Standard Tuning
- D# Enigmatic in Drop D
- D# Enigmatic in DADGAD
- D# Enigmatic in Open G
- D# Enigmatic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Enigmatic in 7-string
- D# Enigmatic in 8-string
- D# Enigmatic in Drop C
- D# Enigmatic in Drop B
- D# Enigmatic in Half Step Down
- D# Enigmatic in Open E
- D# Enigmatic in Open A
- D# Enigmatic in Double Drop D
- D# Enigmatic in Open C