D Minor Bebop Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D Minor Bebop in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D Minor Bebop scale is a variation used to navigate melodic minor harmonies in a jazz context. On Guitar, it contains the notes D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, C#. The added chromatic passing tone allows for sophisticated phrasing and ensures that the tension and resolution points are perfectly timed with the rhythm. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Contemporary. Notable players include Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, John Scofield. Use over mMaj7, m6 chords. Connects melodic minor theory with bebop rhythm for advanced jazz improvisation.
Notes: D, E, F, G, A, Bb, C, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 8
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-H-H
Number of notes: 8
Tuning: Open C (C-G-C-G-C-E)
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
Designed for melodic minor harmony — the chromatic passing tone allows sophisticated phrasing over mMaj7 and altered dominant chords.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Minor Bebop in Standard Tuning
- D Minor Bebop in Drop D
- D Minor Bebop in DADGAD
- D Minor Bebop in Open G
- D Minor Bebop in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Minor Bebop in 7-string
- D Minor Bebop in 8-string
- D Minor Bebop in Drop C
- D Minor Bebop in Drop B
- D Minor Bebop in Open D
- D Minor Bebop in Half Step Down
- D Minor Bebop in Open E
- D Minor Bebop in Open A
- D Minor Bebop in Double Drop D