Guitar Scale Logic
C Blues Guitar Scale in Open D
Blues scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |---------------------1--3--4--5--| A |------------------3--------------| F#|---------------4-----------------| D |---1--3--4--5--------------------| A |3--------------------------------| D |---------------------------------|
1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C Blues scale uses C, E♭, F, G♭, G, B♭ and the formula 1 b3 4 b5 5 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 C root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Blues sounds gritty, tense and expressive. Try it for turnarounds, blues-rock phrasing and greasy lead work. 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.
Treat the b5 as a passing colour and resolve it quickly for the classic bite. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- C
- E♭
- F
- G♭
- G
- B♭
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Cmminor
- C5power
- Cm7minor 7
- Csus4sus4
- E♭mminor
- E♭5power
- E♭sus2sus2
- F5power
- Fsus4sus4
- Fsus2sus2