Guitar Scale Logic
B Mixolydian Guitar Scale in Open D
Mixolydian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |---------------------------1--2--4--| A |---------------------2--4-----------| F#|---------------2--3-----------------| D |------1--2--4-----------------------| A |2--4--------------------------------| D |------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 12 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The B Mixolydian scale uses B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A and the formula 1 2 3 4 5 6 b7. 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 B root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Mixolydian sounds major but loose, rootsy and dominant. Try it for southern rock, jam-band leads and bluesy major riffs. 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.
Frame lines around the b7 to keep the mode from sounding like straight major. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- B
- C♯
- D♯
- E
- F♯
- G♯
- A
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- B7dominant 7
- Bmajor
- Bsus2sus2
- Bsus4sus4
- B5power
- C♯mminor
- C♯sus2sus2
- C♯sus4sus4
- C♯5power
- C♯m7minor 7