G# Dorian #4 Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Dorian #4 in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G# Dorian #4 scale, known in Eastern Europe as the Ukrainian Dorian or Misheberak, has a deeply soulful, crying quality. On Guitar, the notes are G#, A#, B, D, D#, F, F#. It is a pillar of Jewish Klezmer music and traditional Balkan folk songs. Commonly used in Klezmer, Balkan Folk, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Itzhak Perlman, Bregovic, System of a Down. Use over m7 chords in Klezmer and Balkan contexts. The #4 adds the exotic 'weeping' quality that defines these traditions.
Notes: G#, A#, B, D, D#, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D)
Also known as: ukrainian dorian, romanian minor, altered dorian
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# Dorian #4 in Standard Tuning
- G# Dorian #4 in Drop D
- G# Dorian #4 in DADGAD
- G# Dorian #4 in Open G
- G# Dorian #4 in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Dorian #4 in 7-string
- G# Dorian #4 in 8-string
- G# Dorian #4 in Drop C
- G# Dorian #4 in Drop B
- G# Dorian #4 in Half Step Down
- G# Dorian #4 in Open E
- G# Dorian #4 in Open A
- G# Dorian #4 in Double Drop D
- G# Dorian #4 in Open C