G Double Harmonic Major Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G Double Harmonic Major in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F#. It offers an extreme exotic tension with two augmented seconds, used to create iconic surf-rock and Middle Eastern themes. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Surf Rock, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Dick Dale, Rainbow, Marty Friedman. Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and surf rock contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to an otherwise major framework.
Notes: G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Also known as: gypsy
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
- G Double Harmonic Major in Standard Tuning
- G Double Harmonic Major in Drop D
- G Double Harmonic Major in DADGAD
- G Double Harmonic Major in Open G
- G Double Harmonic Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Double Harmonic Major in 7-string
- G Double Harmonic Major in 8-string
- G Double Harmonic Major in Drop C
- G Double Harmonic Major in Drop B
- G Double Harmonic Major in Half Step Down
- G Double Harmonic Major in Open E
- G Double Harmonic Major in Open A
- G Double Harmonic Major in Double Drop D
- G Double Harmonic Major in Open C