F# Major Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
F# Major Pentatonic in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The F# Major Pentatonic scale is a universal five-note scale found in almost every musical culture. On Guitar, it contains the notes F#, G#, A#, C#, D#. It is extremely consonant and easy to listen to, making it the perfect choice for melodies in country, pop, and blues. Its open sound ensures that almost any note played will sound correct over major harmonies. Commonly used in Country, Pop, Rock, Blues, Folk. Notable players include Keith Richards, B.B. King, John Mayer, Eric Clapton. Use over any major chord, major key progression, or dominant 7th chord. The safest and most universal soloing tool.
Notes: F#, G#, A#, C#, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3M, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 5
Formula: W-W-WH-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Also known as: pentatonic
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
- F# Major Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- F# Major Pentatonic in Drop D
- F# Major Pentatonic in DADGAD
- F# Major Pentatonic in Open G
- F# Major Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- F# Major Pentatonic in 7-string
- F# Major Pentatonic in 8-string
- F# Major Pentatonic in Drop C
- F# Major Pentatonic in Drop B
- F# Major Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- F# Major Pentatonic in Open E
- F# Major Pentatonic in Open A
- F# Major Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- F# Major Pentatonic in Open C