G Flat Three Pentatonic Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G Flat Three Pentatonic in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G Flat Three Pentatonic scale is a relatively rare jazz pentatonic scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, A, Bb, D, E. It is an effective tool for navigating blues changes, providing a unique way to differentiate between the different chords of a progression with a quirky, minor-key twist. Commonly used in Jazz, Blues, Experimental. Notable players include Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter. Use over m7, m7b5 chords. Effective for differentiating chords within a blues progression.
Notes: G, A, Bb, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5
Formula: W-H-4-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Also known as: kumoi
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 Flat Three Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Drop D
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in DADGAD
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Open G
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in 7-string
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in 8-string
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Drop C
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Drop B
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Open E
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Open A
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- G Flat Three Pentatonic in Open C