F Enigmatic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open C tuning — fretboard diagram
F Enigmatic in Open C — Notes and Intervals
The F Enigmatic scale was invented as a musical puzzle and famously used by Giuseppe Verdi. On Guitar, the notes are F, Gb, A, B, Db, Eb, E. It has an unstable and surreal sound because it lacks the traditional fourth and fifth degrees, creating a gliding effect that challenges the listener's expectations. Commonly used in Classical, Experimental, Film Scores. Notable players include Giuseppe Verdi, Igor Stravinsky. Not chord-specific — this is a melodic scale for creating surreal, non-functional passages. Use over sustained pedal tones or atonal contexts.
Notes: F, Gb, A, B, Db, Eb, E
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5d, 6m, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-W-W-W-H-H
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
Invented as a musical puzzle — lacks the traditional 4th and 5th degrees, creating a gliding, rootless sensation. Verdi used it in his Ave Maria to challenge conventional harmony.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- F Enigmatic in Standard Tuning
- F Enigmatic in Drop D
- F Enigmatic in DADGAD
- F Enigmatic in Open G
- F Enigmatic in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Enigmatic in 7-string
- F Enigmatic in 8-string
- F Enigmatic in Drop C
- F Enigmatic in Drop B
- F Enigmatic in Open D
- F Enigmatic in Half Step Down
- F Enigmatic in Open E
- F Enigmatic in Open A
- F Enigmatic in Double Drop D