D# Flamenco Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Flamenco in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The D# Flamenco scale is the emotional heart of Spanish music. On Guitar, the notes are D#, E, F#, G, A, A#, C#. Closely related to the Phrygian system, it is designed to convey deep pathos, rhythmic intensity, and the passionate duende characteristic of traditional guitar styles. Commonly used in Flamenco, Latin, Classical Guitar, World. Notable players include Paco de Lucia, Tomatito, Vicente Amigo, Al Di Meola. Use over flamenco chord progressions (Am-G-F-E type). The scale supports both the melancholic phrygian passages and the explosive major-chord rasgueados.
Notes: D#, E, F#, G, A, A#, C#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 3M, 4A, 5P, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 #5 6 b7
Formula: H-W-H-W-H-WH-W
Number of notes: 7
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
Closely related to the Phrygian system but with alterations that create the specific emotional palette of flamenco — deep pathos, rhythmic intensity, and duende (the ineffable spirit of flamenco).
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Flamenco in Standard Tuning
- D# Flamenco in Drop D
- D# Flamenco in DADGAD
- D# Flamenco in Open G
- D# Flamenco in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Flamenco in 7-string
- D# Flamenco in 8-string
- D# Flamenco in Drop C
- D# Flamenco in Drop B
- D# Flamenco in Open D
- D# Flamenco in Half Step Down
- D# Flamenco in Open E
- D# Flamenco in Open A
- D# Flamenco in Double Drop D