Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning

E Major Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same e major pentatonic scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G B E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: E, F#, G#, B, C#
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
Tuning: D A D G B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: D2 to E4
24-fret range: D2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 6 open strings belong to E Major Pentatonic Scale: string 2 B (5) and string 1 E (1). E roots occur on open string 1.

String 2B5

String 1E1

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 9

String 2Fret 5

String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11, with the E root at fret 2. On the highest E string, the first E is at fret 0.

Fret 2E1

Fret 4F#2

Fret 6G#3

Fret 9B5

Fret 11C#6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play E Major Pentatonic Scale on the low D string at frets 2, 4, 6, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets B on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest E root and two other scale tones.
Connect the E root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 2, 7, 2, 9, 5, and 0, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.