Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Melodic Minor Scale in DADGAD Tuning

A Melodic Minor Scale in DADGAD Tuning shows the same a melodic minor scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: A, B, C, D, E, F#, G#
Formula: 1 2 b3 4 5 6 7
Semitones: 0 2 3 5 7 9 11
Tuning: D A D G A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to A Melodic Minor Scale: string 6 D (4), string 5 A (1), string 4 D (4), string 2 A (1), and string 1 D (4). A roots occur on open strings 5 and 2.

String 6D4

String 5A1

String 4D4

String 2A1

String 1D4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 7

String 5Open

String 4Fret 7

String 3Fret 2

String 2Open

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10, with the A root at fret 7. On the highest D string, the first A is at fret 7.

OpenD4

Fret 2E5

Fret 4F#6

Fret 6G#7

Fret 7A1

Fret 9B2

Fret 10Cb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play A Melodic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 7, 0, 7, 2, 0, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.