E Bebop Major Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
E Bebop Major in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The E Bebop Major scale is a classic swing tool that introduces a chromatic link between the fifth and sixth degrees. On Guitar, its notes are E, F#, G#, A, B, C, C#, D#. It is essential for creating the flowing, endless melodic lines characteristic of the traditional bebop era. Commonly used in Jazz, Swing, Bebop. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, Barney Kessel, Kenny Burrell. Use over Maj7, Maj6 chords. Essential for the smooth, flowing lines of traditional swing and bebop over major harmony.
Notes: E, F#, G#, A, B, C, C#, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 4P, 5P, 5A, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 #6 7 8
Formula: W-W-H-W-H-H-W-H
Number of notes: 8
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
- E Bebop Major in Standard Tuning
- E Bebop Major in Drop D
- E Bebop Major in DADGAD
- E Bebop Major in Open G
- E Bebop Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- E Bebop Major in 7-string
- E Bebop Major in 8-string
- E Bebop Major in Drop C
- E Bebop Major in Drop B
- E Bebop Major in Half Step Down
- E Bebop Major in Open E
- E Bebop Major in Open A
- E Bebop Major in Double Drop D
- E Bebop Major in Open C