D# Augmented Heptatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open A tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Augmented Heptatonic in Open A — Notes and Intervals
The D# Augmented Heptatonic scale is a seven-note expansion of the augmented scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes D#, E##, G, G#, A#, B, D. It provides maximum chromatic tension and is an ideal tool for creating high-drama resolutions in minor-key compositions. Commonly used in Jazz, Classical, Film Scores. Notable players include Oliver Nelson, Wayne Shorter. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords in jazz. A dramatic coloring tool for resolutions.
Notes: D#, E##, G, G#, A#, B, D
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4P, 5P, 5A, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 5 #6 7
Formula: WH-H-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open A (E-A-E-A-C#-E)
About Open A Tuning
Open A tuning (E-A-E-A-C#-E) produces an A major chord when strummed open. It is structurally identical to Open G tuned up one whole step, delivering a brighter, more tense sound that works particularly well for slide guitar centered on the key of A.
Jimmy Page used Open A with a slide on Led Zeppelin's 'In My Time of Dying' from Physical Graffiti (1975). Rory Gallagher also employed Open A for his raw, energetic slide work. Many players achieve Open A by simply placing a capo at the 2nd fret in Open G tuning, which is why dedicated Open A usage is less commonly discussed. However, without a capo, Open A gives direct access to the open A string resonance and a different feel under the fingers due to the higher tension.
Notable artists: Jimmy Page, Rory Gallagher, Delta blues players
Best for: Slide guitar in the key of A, blues playing, and situations where you need the brightness of Open G tuned up without a capo
Musical Character
A 7-note expansion of the augmented scale that provides maximum chromatic tension — ideal for creating high-drama minor-key resolutions.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Standard Tuning
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop D
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in DADGAD
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Open G
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in 7-string
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in 8-string
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop C
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Drop B
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Open D
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Half Step Down
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Open E
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Double Drop D
- D# Augmented Heptatonic in Open C