Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

A Blues Guitar Scale in DADGAD

Blues scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for DADGAD.

Formula 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
Tuning D A G D A D
Scale Notes 6 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D D
E♭
E
G
A
C
D
E♭
E
G
A
C
A A
C
D
E♭
E
G
A
C
D
E♭
E
G
G G
A
C
D
E♭
E
G
A
C
D
E♭
E
D D
E♭
E
G
A
C
D
E♭
E
G
A
C
A A
C
D
E♭
E
G
A
C
D
E♭
E
G
D D
E♭
E
G
A
C
D
E♭
E
G
A
C
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D|------------------------0--1--2--|
A|---------------------3-----------|
G|---------------0--2--------------|
D|------0--1--2--------------------|
A|0--3-----------------------------|
D|---------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The A Blues scale uses A, C, D, E♭, E, G and the formula 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7. In DADGAD tuning, the open strings run D A G D A D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each A root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

Blues sounds gritty, tense and expressive. Try it for turnarounds, blues-rock phrasing and greasy lead work. DADGAD is D-A-D-G-A-D from low to high. The open strings contain D, A and G, leaving out the third of a D chord.

Practice Tip

Treat the b5 as a passing colour and resolve it quickly for the classic bite. In DADGAD, try an open-string drone that fits your chosen key and scale.

  • A
  • C
  • D
  • E♭
  • E
  • G

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • Amminor
  • A5power
  • Am7minor 7
  • Asus4sus4
  • Cmminor
  • C5power
  • Csus2sus2
  • D5power
  • Dsus4sus4
  • Dsus2sus2

Related Pages

Related Scales