G Phrygian Dominant Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G Phrygian Dominant in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Guitar, the notes are G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F. It sounds exotic, passionate, and aggressive, and is a favorite for metal guitarists and composers of high-drama scores. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores. Notable players include Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola. Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Notes: G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Also known as: spanish, phrygian major
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 Phrygian Dominant in Standard Tuning
- G Phrygian Dominant in Drop D
- G Phrygian Dominant in DADGAD
- G Phrygian Dominant in Open G
- G Phrygian Dominant in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Phrygian Dominant in 7-string
- G Phrygian Dominant in 8-string
- G Phrygian Dominant in Drop C
- G Phrygian Dominant in Drop B
- G Phrygian Dominant in Half Step Down
- G Phrygian Dominant in Open E
- G Phrygian Dominant in Open A
- G Phrygian Dominant in Double Drop D
- G Phrygian Dominant in Open C