Guitar Scale Logic
D Major Guitar Scale in DADGAD
Major scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for DADGAD.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D|---------------------------------------0--| A|------------------------------------4-----| G|---------------------------0--2--4--------| D|------------------0--2--4-----------------| A|---------0--2--4--------------------------| D|0--2--4-----------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The D Major scale uses D, E, F♯, G, A, B, C♯ and the formula 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. 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 D root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Major sounds bright, open and strongly resolved. Try it for melodic hooks, pop leads and clean chord melody 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.
Lean on the 3rd and 7th to make the major colour obvious. In DADGAD, try an open-string drone that fits your chosen key and scale.
- D
- E
- F♯
- G
- A
- B
- C♯
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Dmajor
- Dmaj7major 7
- Dsus2sus2
- Dsus4sus4
- D5power
- Emminor
- Em7minor 7
- Esus2sus2
- Esus4sus4
- E5power