G Vietnamese 1 Guitar Scale — Open D
Guitar scale in Open D tuning — fretboard diagram
G Vietnamese 1 in Open D — Notes and Intervals
The G Vietnamese 1 scale is a five-note scale used in traditional Vietnamese art music. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, Bb, C, D, Eb. It is a core structure for expressing specific modal sentiments and is characterized by its fluid, vocal-like melodic capabilities. Commonly used in Vietnamese, World, Traditional. Notable players include Trinh Cong Son. Use over simple triads and sustained bass notes. The scale's strength is in melodic expression, not complex harmony.
Notes: G, Bb, C, D, Eb
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5
Formula: WH-W-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 Vietnamese 1 in Standard Tuning
- G Vietnamese 1 in Drop D
- G Vietnamese 1 in DADGAD
- G Vietnamese 1 in Open G
- G Vietnamese 1 in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Vietnamese 1 in 7-string
- G Vietnamese 1 in 8-string
- G Vietnamese 1 in Drop C
- G Vietnamese 1 in Drop B
- G Vietnamese 1 in Half Step Down
- G Vietnamese 1 in Open E
- G Vietnamese 1 in Open A
- G Vietnamese 1 in Double Drop D
- G Vietnamese 1 in Open C