Tuning-specific scale diagram

E Major Pentatonic Scale in Open D Tuning

E Major Pentatonic Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same e major 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: E, F#, G#, B, C#
Formula: 1 2 3 5 6
Semitones: 0 2 4 7 9
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

1 of the 6 open strings belong to E Major Pentatonic Scale: string 3 F# (2). None of those open-string tones is the E root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3F#2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 2

String 5Fret 7

String 4Fret 2

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 2

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 D string, the first E is at fret 2.

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 F# on open string 3 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, 10, 7, and 2, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.