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D scottish pentatonic scale on bass guitar
D scottish pentatonic uses D, E, G, A, and B. Box 1 starts on string 3, fret 5, keeping the root under your index finger.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
How do you play the D scottish pentatonic scale on bass?
D scottish 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, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
D scottish pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 10 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
Derived from D major pentatonic by raising the third F♯ to G. The intervals are 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with steps W, 1½, W, W, 1½. Compare with D major pentatonic to hear the suspended fourth. This scale lacks the third and seventh, giving a neutral, airy quality.
When to use it
Use it over D 5th and D suspended 2nd chords for a bright, open sound. It fits folk and rock grooves in D major or D mixolydian contexts. Try it over D 5th or D suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. It keeps the root under your first finger on string 3, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3 for easy access to the mid register.
Common questions
What notes are in D scottish pentatonic?
The notes are D, E, G, A, and B. The scale omits the third and seventh, creating an open sound. It is built from the major pentatonic with a raised third.
Which chords work with D scottish pentatonic?
D 5th and D suspended 2nd chords fit well. The scale's fourth and second degrees match sus2 voicings. Avoid chords with a major third unless you want tension.
How does D scottish pentatonic differ from D major pentatonic?
D scottish pentatonic raises the third F♯ to G. This replaces the major third with a perfect fourth. The resulting scale has a suspended, open quality.