Tuning-specific scale diagram

Eb Major Blues Scale in Open D Tuning

Eb Major Blues Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same eb 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
Eb, F, Gb, G, Bb, C
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

1 of the 6 open strings belong to Eb Major Blues Scale: string 3 Gb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the Eb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3Gbb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 1
String 5Fret 6
String 4Fret 1
String 3Fret 9
String 2Fret 6
String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10, with the Eb root at fret 1. On the highest D string, the first Eb is at fret 1.

Fret 1Eb1
Fret 3F2
Fret 4Gbb3
Fret 5G3
Fret 8Bb5
Fret 10C6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Eb Major Blues Scale on the low D string at frets 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Gb on open string 3 ring, then connect it to the nearest Eb root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Eb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 9, 6, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Eb Major Blues Scale in Open D Tuning fretboard diagram
Eb Major Blues Scale in Open D Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D F# A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Eb Major Blues Scale and open d tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings