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D neutral pentatonic scale on guitar
D neutral pentatonic contains D, E, G, A, and C. Box 1 keeps the root on string 5, fret 5 for an open position.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the D neutral pentatonic scale on guitar?
D neutral pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the D string at fret 0 and the B string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 1, 3 | C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 3 | E, G |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
D neutral pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 10 notes across 6 strings, from G on the low E string at fret 3 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 5 and the B string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 5 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 4 (D) | 5 | G |
| 3 (G) | 5 | C |
| 2 (B) | 3, 5 | D, E |
| 1 (e) | 3, 5 | G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
D neutral pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 12 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to C on the high e string at fret 8. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 3 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 8 | E, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 8 | A, C |
Box 4 · frets 8–10
D neutral pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 10, 9 notes across 6 strings, from C on the low E string at fret 8 up to D on the high e string at fret 10. The root falls on the low E string at fret 10 and the high e string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 5 (A) | 10 | G |
| 4 (D) | 10 | C |
| 3 (G) | 9 | E |
| 2 (B) | 8, 10 | G, A |
| 1 (e) | 8, 10 | C, D |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
D neutral pentatonic in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 11 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to E on the high e string at fret 12. The root falls on the low E string at fret 10, the D string at fret 12 and the high e string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 5 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 12 | G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 13 | A, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12 | D, E |
Why it sounds like that
D neutral pentatonic is built from D minor pentatonic by raising the ♭3 to a major 2nd, giving intervals 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. Compare it with D minor pentatonic to hear the change. The scale contains no tritone or leading tone. Its step pattern is W, 1½, W, 1½, W.
When to use it
D neutral pentatonic fits D 5th and D suspended 2nd chords, plus G 5th and A minor. Use it for modal rock or world music lines in D. The scale also works over C major for a suspended colour.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It keeps the root on string 5, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3, making it easy to shift to Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in D neutral pentatonic?
D neutral pentatonic contains D, E, G, A, and C. The intervals 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 A minor. The scale avoids the third, so it suits open fifth chords.
How is D neutral pentatonic different from D minor pentatonic?
D neutral pentatonic raises the minor third of D minor pentatonic to a major second. This removes the minor quality and creates a suspended sound. The note E replaces F.
What is the step pattern of D neutral pentatonic?
The step pattern is whole, one and a half, whole, one and a half, whole. This gives the scale its neutral, open character. It is also known as Egyptian or Shang.