Guitar Scale Logic
E Blues Guitar Scale in Open D
Blues scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |------------------------------0--2--| A |---------------------------2--------| F#|------------------1--3--4-----------| D |------------0--2--------------------| A |---0--1--2--------------------------| D |2-----------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 12 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The E Blues scale uses E, G, A, B♭, B, D 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 E 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.
- E
- G
- A
- B♭
- B
- D
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Emminor
- E5power
- Em7minor 7
- Esus4sus4
- Gmminor
- G5power
- Gsus2sus2
- A5power
- Asus4sus4
- Asus2sus2