Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in DADGAD Tuning

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in DADGAD Tuning shows the same bb major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes
Bb, C, D, F, G
Formula
1 2 3 5 6
Semitones
0 2 4 7 9
Tuning
D A D G A D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Major Pentatonic Scale: string 6 D (3), string 4 D (3), string 3 G (6), and string 1 D (3). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6D3
String 4D3
String 3G6
String 1D3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8
String 5Fret 1
String 4Fret 8
String 3Fret 3
String 2Fret 1
String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 3, 5, 8, and 10, with the Bb root at fret 8. On the highest D string, the first Bb is at fret 8.

OpenD3
Fret 3F5
Fret 5G6
Fret 8Bb1
Fret 10C2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play Bb Major Pentatonic Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 3, 5, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 8, 1, 8, 3, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in DADGAD Tuning fretboard diagram
Bb Major Pentatonic Scale in DADGAD Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D G A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Bb Major Pentatonic Scale and dadgad tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings