Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Major Blues Scale in Open D Tuning

D Major Blues Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same d major 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: D, E, F, F#, A, B
Formula: 1 2 b3 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 3 4 7 9
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 D Major Blues Scale: string 6 D (1), string 5 A (5), string 4 D (1), string 3 F# (3), string 2 A (5), and string 1 D (1). D roots occur on open strings 6, 4, and 1.

String 6D1

String 5A5

String 4D1

String 3F#3

String 2A5

String 1D1

First root on each string

String 6Open

String 5Fret 5

String 4Open

String 3Fret 8

String 2Fret 5

String 1Open

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 D root at fret 0. On the highest D string, the first D is at fret 0.

OpenD1

Fret 2E2

Fret 3Fb3

Fret 4F#3

Fret 7A5

Fret 9B6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Major 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 D root and two other scale tones.
Connect the D root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 0, 5, 0, 8, 5, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.