Guitar Scale Logic
A Harmonic Minor Guitar Scale in Open D
Harmonic Minor scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |------------------------------0--2--3--| A |------------------------2--3-----------| F#|------------------2--3-----------------| D |---------0--2--3-----------------------| A |0--2--3--------------------------------| D |---------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The A Harmonic Minor scale uses A, B, C, D, E, F, G♯ and the formula 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 7. In Open D tuning, the open strings run D A F# 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.
Harmonic Minor sounds dramatic, classical and sharply directional. Try it for neo-classical leads, dark cadences and cinematic themes. Open D is D-A-D-F#-A-D from low to high. Its open strings form a D major chord, which you can use alongside fretted melody notes.
Spotlight the major 7th so the scale does not blur into natural minor. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G♯
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Amminor
- A5power
- Bdimdiminished
- Dmminor
- Ddimdiminished
- Dm7minor 7
- D5power
- Emajor
- E7dominant 7
- E5power