G# Hungarian Major Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G# Hungarian Major in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G# Hungarian Major scale is a heptatonic scale that provides an Eastern European dominant sound. On Guitar, the notes are G#, B, C, D, D#, F, F#. It offers a unique, exotic brightness that is excellent for adding cultural character to a composition. Commonly used in Classical, Eastern European Folk, Film Scores. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Zoltan Kodaly. Use over dominant chords in Eastern European folk contexts. Adds cultural character to compositions.
Notes: G#, B, C, D, D#, F, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 b7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
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# Hungarian Major in Standard Tuning
- G# Hungarian Major in Drop D
- G# Hungarian Major in DADGAD
- G# Hungarian Major in Open G
- G# Hungarian Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- G# Hungarian Major in 7-string
- G# Hungarian Major in 8-string
- G# Hungarian Major in Drop C
- G# Hungarian Major in Drop B
- G# Hungarian Major in Half Step Down
- G# Hungarian Major in Open E
- G# Hungarian Major in Open A
- G# Hungarian Major in Double Drop D
- G# Hungarian Major in Open C