Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Major (Ionian) Scale in Open D Tuning

F Major (Ionian) Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same f major (ionian) 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: F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E
Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Semitones: 0 2 4 5 7 9 11
Parent scale: F major
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

5 of the 6 open strings belong to F Major (Ionian) Scale: string 6 D (6), string 5 A (3), string 4 D (6), string 2 A (3), and string 1 D (6). None of those open-string tones is the F root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6D6

String 5A3

String 4D6

String 2A3

String 1D6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 3

String 5Fret 8

String 4Fret 3

String 3Fret 11

String 2Fret 8

String 1Fret 3

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the F root at fret 3. On the highest D string, the first F is at fret 3.

OpenD6

Fret 2E7

Fret 3F1

Fret 5G2

Fret 7A3

Fret 8Bb4

Fret 10C5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Major (Ionian) Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 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 F root and two other scale tones.
Connect the F root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 3, 8, 3, 11, 8, and 3, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.