Tuning-specific scale diagram

F# Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning

F# Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning shows the same f# minor 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
F#, A, B, C#, E
Formula
1 b3 4 5 b7
Semitones
0 3 5 7 10
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

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

String 5Ab3
String 2B4
String 1Eb7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4
String 5Fret 9
String 4Fret 4
String 3Fret 11
String 2Fret 7
String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 2, 4, 7, 9, and 11, with the F# root at fret 4. On the highest E string, the first F# is at fret 2.

Fret 2Eb7
Fret 4F#1
Fret 7Ab3
Fret 9B4
Fret 11C#5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

F# Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning fretboard diagram
F# Minor Pentatonic Scale in Drop D Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with F# Minor Pentatonic Scale and drop d tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings