A Minor Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Open G tuning — fretboard diagram
A Minor in Open G — Notes and Intervals
The A Minor scale, also known as the Aeolian mode or natural minor, is the standard for expressing melancholy, introspection, and drama. On Guitar, its notes are A, B, C, D, E, F, G. Its sound is darker and more somber than the major scale, widely used in songwriting to evoke deep emotional narratives and serving as the foundation of traditional minor-key compositions. The diatonic chords of A Minor are Am7, Bm7b5, Cmaj7, Dm7, Em7, Fmaj7, G7. Commonly used in Rock, Pop, Metal, Classical, R&B. Notable players include Metallica, Adele, Beethoven. Use over minor triads, m7, m9 chords. Works across the entire minor key. Avoid over dominant chords that want a leading tone.
Notes: A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Open G (D-G-D-G-B-D)
Also known as: aeolian
Diatonic Chords
Am7 — Bm7♭5 — Cmaj7 — Dm7 — Em7 — Fmaj7 — G7
About Open G Tuning
Open G tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D) produces a G major chord when strummed open, making it the definitive tuning for slide guitar and delta blues. The tuning's natural consonance means that barring across any fret gives you a major chord, which is why it's been the backbone of blues and roots music for over a century.
From Robert Johnson to Keith Richards, Open G has shaped some of the most iconic music ever recorded. Keith Richards famously removes the low 6th string entirely in this tuning, creating his signature five-string sound on songs like 'Start Me Up' and 'Brown Sugar'. For slide players, Open G is essential — it allows clean, singing slide lines across all strings with minimal effort.
Notable artists: Keith Richards, Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, Joni Mitchell, The Black Crowes
Best for: Slide guitar, delta blues, Keith Richards-style rock riffs, and open-string fingerpicking
Musical Character
The relative minor of any major key shares the same notes but starts on the 6th degree, allowing composers to shift mood without changing key signature.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VI – III – VII (Cinematic Minor)Contemporary / Film — Dramatic & Dark