Tuning-specific scale diagram
B Minor Blues Scale in Open D Tuning
B Minor Blues Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same b minor blues scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D F# A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.
- Scale notes
- B, D, E, F, F#, A
- Formula
- 1 b3 4 b5 5 b7
- Semitones
- 0 3 5 6 7 10
- Tuning
- D A D F# A D
- Strings
- 6
- Open pitch range
- D2 to D4
- 24-fret range
- D2 to D6
Open strings and root positions
6 of the 6 open strings belong to B Minor Blues Scale: string 6 D (b3), string 5 A (b7), string 4 D (b3), string 3 F# (5), string 2 A (b7), and string 1 D (b3). None of those open-string tones is the B root, so the root must be fretted on every string.
First root on each string
Low-string pattern
On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, with the B root at fret 9. On the highest D string, the first B is at fret 9.
Practice this tuning-specific layout
- Play B Minor Blues Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 9, saying each note name and degree aloud.
- Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
- Connect the B root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 2, 9, 5, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.
Fretboard diagram
Open this diagram in the fretboard tool
Start with B Minor Blues Scale and open d tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard