F Six Tone Symmetric Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
F Six Tone Symmetric in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Guitar, its notes are F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
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
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Standard Tuning
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Drop D
- F Six Tone Symmetric in DADGAD
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Open G
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Six Tone Symmetric in 7-string
- F Six Tone Symmetric in 8-string
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Drop C
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Drop B
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Half Step Down
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Open E
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Open A
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Double Drop D
- F Six Tone Symmetric in Open C