Explore scales · Bass
D neutral pentatonic scale on bass guitar
D neutral pentatonic contains D, E, G, A, and C. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 5 for a compact shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the D neutral pentatonic scale on bass?
D neutral pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the D string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D neutral pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 5 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Why it sounds like that
D neutral pentatonic is D minor pentatonic with the ♭3 raised to a major 2nd. The scale keeps the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th, but the major 2nd replaces the minor 3rd. Compare it with D minor pentatonic to hear the difference.
When to use it
D neutral pentatonic fits D 5th and D suspended 2nd chords. Use it over G 5th and G suspended 2nd for a suspended sound. The major 2nd adds openness to rock and folk lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 5, giving a compact shape that avoids open strings.
Common questions
What notes are in D neutral pentatonic?
D neutral pentatonic contains D, E, G, A, and C. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 4, 5, and ♭7. It has no tritone or leading tone.
Which chords does D neutral pentatonic fit?
D neutral pentatonic fits D 5th and D suspended 2nd chords. It also works over G 5th and G suspended 2nd. The major 2nd creates a suspended, open sound.
How is D neutral pentatonic different from D minor pentatonic?
D neutral pentatonic raises the ♭3 of D minor pentatonic to a major 2nd. The other notes stay the same. This removes the minor quality and adds brightness.