Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Minor Pentatonic Scale in Open D Tuning

B Minor Pentatonic Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same b minor pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D F# A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: B, D, E, F#, A
Formula: 1 b3 4 5 b7
Semitones: 0 3 5 7 10
Tuning: D A D F# A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to D4
24-fret range: D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to B Minor Pentatonic Scale: string 6 D (b3), string 5 A (b7), string 4 D (b3), string 3 F# (5), string 2 A (b7), and string 1 D (b3). None of those open-string tones is the B root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Db3

String 5Ab7

String 4Db3

String 3F#5

String 2Ab7

String 1Db3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 9

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 7, and 9, with the B root at fret 9. On the highest D string, the first B is at fret 9.

OpenDb3

Fret 2E4

Fret 4F#5

Fret 7Ab7

Fret 9B1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play B Minor Pentatonic Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 4, 7, and 9, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
Connect the B root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 2, 9, 5, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.