Guitar Scale Logic
E Minor Guitar Scale in Open D
Minor scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |------------------------------------0--2--| A |------------------------------2--3--------| F#|------------------------1--3--------------| D |---------------0--2--4--------------------| A |------0--2--3-----------------------------| D |2--4--------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The E Minor scale uses E, F♯, G, A, B, C, D 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 E 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.
- E
- F♯
- G
- A
- B
- C
- D
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Emminor
- Em7minor 7
- Esus2sus2
- Esus4sus4
- E5power
- F♯m7b5minor 7 flat 5
- Gmajor
- Gsus2sus2
- Gsus4sus4
- G5power