Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Major Pentatonic Scale in Open G Tuning

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

Scale notes
G, A, B, D, E
Formula
1 2 3 5 6
Semitones
0 2 4 7 9
Tuning
D G D G B 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 G Major Pentatonic Scale: string 6 D (5), string 5 G (1), string 4 D (5), string 3 G (1), string 2 B (3), and string 1 D (5). G roots occur on open strings 5 and 3.

String 6D5
String 5G1
String 4D5
String 3G1
String 2B3
String 1D5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5
String 5Open
String 4Fret 5
String 3Open
String 2Fret 8
String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 5, 7, and 9, with the G root at fret 5. On the highest D string, the first G is at fret 5.

OpenD5
Fret 2E6
Fret 5G1
Fret 7A2
Fret 9B3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play G Major Pentatonic Scale on the low D string at frets 0, 2, 5, 7, and 9, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets D on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest G root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the G root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 5, 0, 5, 0, 8, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

G Major Pentatonic Scale in Open G Tuning fretboard diagram
G Major Pentatonic Scale in Open G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D G D G B D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with G Major Pentatonic Scale and open g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings