G Kumoijoshi Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G Kumoijoshi in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G Kumoijoshi scale is a traditional Japanese Koto tuning that produces a tranquil and standard classical sound. On Guitar, the notes are G, Ab, C, D, Eb. It is a peaceful variation of the Hirajoshi scale used for centuries in Japanese chamber music. Commonly used in Japanese, Classical, Ambient. Notable players include Kitaro, Takemitsu. Use over minor chords and sustained bass notes. Best in sparse, contemplative arrangements.
Notes: G, Ab, C, D, Eb
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 4P, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: H-4-W-H-4
Number of notes: 5
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
- G Kumoijoshi in Standard Tuning
- G Kumoijoshi in Drop D
- G Kumoijoshi in DADGAD
- G Kumoijoshi in Open G
- G Kumoijoshi in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Kumoijoshi in 7-string
- G Kumoijoshi in 8-string
- G Kumoijoshi in Drop C
- G Kumoijoshi in Drop B
- G Kumoijoshi in Half Step Down
- G Kumoijoshi in Open E
- G Kumoijoshi in Open A
- G Kumoijoshi in Double Drop D
- G Kumoijoshi in Open C