Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Major (Ionian) Scale in DADGAD Tuning

G Major (Ionian) Scale in DADGAD Tuning shows the same g major (ionian) scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
G, A, B, C, D, E, F#
Formula
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Semitones
0 2 4 5 7 9 11
Parent scale
G major
Tuning
D A D G 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 G Major (Ionian) Scale: string 6 D (5), string 5 A (2), string 4 D (5), string 3 G (1), string 2 A (2), and string 1 D (5). G roots occur on open string 3.

String 6D5
String 5A2
String 4D5
String 3G1
String 2A2
String 1D5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5
String 5Fret 10
String 4Fret 5
String 3Open
String 2Fret 10
String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the G root at fret 5. On the highest D string, the first G is at fret 5.

OpenD5
Fret 2E6
Fret 4F#7
Fret 5G1
Fret 7A2
Fret 9B3
Fret 10C4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play G Major (Ionian) Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, 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 G root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the G root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 5, 10, 5, 0, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

G Major (Ionian) Scale in DADGAD Tuning fretboard diagram
G Major (Ionian) Scale in DADGAD Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D G A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with G Major (Ionian) Scale and dadgad tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings