Guitar Scale Logic
C Minor Guitar Scale in Open D
Minor scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |---------------------------1--3--5--| A |---------------------3--5-----------| F#|---------------2--4-----------------| D |------1--3--5-----------------------| A |3--5--------------------------------| D |------------------------------------|
1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 12 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C Minor scale uses C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭ and the formula 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 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.
Minor sounds darker, weightier and naturally emotive. Try it for melodic rock, cinematic writing and minor-key rhythm parts. 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.
Stress the b3 and b6 when you want the natural minor sound to land. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- C
- D
- E♭
- F
- G
- A♭
- B♭
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Cmminor
- Cm7minor 7
- Csus2sus2
- Csus4sus4
- C5power
- Dm7b5minor 7 flat 5
- E♭major
- E♭sus2sus2
- E♭sus4sus4
- E♭5power