D Flat Three Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D Flat Three Pentatonic in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D Flat Three Pentatonic scale is a relatively rare jazz pentatonic scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes D, E, F, A, B. It is an effective tool for navigating blues changes, providing a unique way to differentiate between the different chords of a progression with a quirky, minor-key twist. Commonly used in Jazz, Blues, Experimental. Notable players include Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter. Use over m7, m7b5 chords. Effective for differentiating chords within a blues progression.
Notes: D, E, F, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5
Formula: W-H-4-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
Also known as: kumoi
About Open C Tuning
Open C tuning (C-G-C-G-C-E) produces a C major chord when strummed open, with an enormous bass depth from the low C string (two whole steps below standard E). The tuning spans a vast tonal range that gives compositions an almost orchestral scope, making it a favorite for both delicate fingerstyle and crushing heavy music.
John Butler's 'Ocean' — one of the most famous modern fingerstyle compositions — is performed in Open C, showcasing the tuning's incredible dynamic range from thundering bass to shimmering harmonics. Devin Townsend uses Open C extensively across his catalog for its massive, wall-of-sound potential. Jimmy Page used it on Led Zeppelin's 'Friends' from Led Zeppelin III. Soundgarden also explored Open C. The three C strings and two G strings create powerful octave resonances that make even simple chord shapes sound huge.
Notable artists: John Butler, Devin Townsend, Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Soundgarden, William Ackerman
Best for: Cinematic fingerstyle compositions, progressive metal walls of sound, post-rock textures, and any music that needs enormous tonal range from deep bass to bright treble
Musical Character
A rare jazz pentatonic that provides an unusual minor-key twist for navigating blues changes with a more angular, modern approach.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Drop D
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in DADGAD
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Open G
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in 7-string
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in 8-string
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Drop C
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Drop B
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Open D
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Half Step Down
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Open E
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Open A
- D Flat Three Pentatonic in Double Drop D