Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Melodic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning

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

Scale notes
D, E, F, G, A, B, C#
Formula
1 2 b3 4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 3 5 7 9 11
Tuning
D G D G B 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 Melodic Minor Scale: string 6 D (1), string 5 G (4), string 4 D (1), string 3 G (4), string 2 B (6), and string 1 D (1). D roots occur on open strings 6, 4, and 1.

String 6D1
String 5G4
String 4D1
String 3G4
String 2B6
String 1D1

First root on each string

String 6Open
String 5Fret 7
String 4Open
String 3Fret 7
String 2Fret 3
String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, 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 5G4
Fret 7A5
Fret 9B6
Fret 11C#7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play D Melodic Minor Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest D root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the D root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 0, 7, 0, 7, 3, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

D Melodic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning fretboard diagram
D Melodic Minor Scale in Open G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D G D G B D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with D Melodic Minor Scale and open g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings