Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Major Pentatonic Scale in C Standard Tuning

D Major Pentatonic Scale in C Standard Tuning shows the same d major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C F Bb Eb G C. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: D, E, F#, A, B
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
Tuning: C F Bb Eb G C
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to C4
24-fret range: C2 to C6

Open strings and root positions

None of the 6 open strings belongs to D Major Pentatonic Scale. Every scale tone must therefore be fretted, beginning with the first available tone on the low C string.

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 9

String 4Fret 4

String 3Fret 11

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11, with the D root at fret 2. On the highest C string, the first D is at fret 2.

Fret 2D1

Fret 4E2

Fret 6F#3

Fret 9A5

Fret 11B6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play D Major Pentatonic Scale on the low C string at frets 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Play the scale without using an open string, then stop on the nearest D root each time the line changes strings.
Connect the D root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 2, 9, 4, 11, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.