Explore scales · Ukulele
D major pentatonic scale on ukulele
D major pentatonic uses D, E, F♯, A, and B. Its Box 1 shape places the root on the third string, second fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the D major pentatonic scale on ukulele?
D major pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
D major pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the G string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 7 | B, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
D major pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
D major pentatonic derives from D major by removing the fourth and seventh degrees. The parent scale D major contains G and C♯, which are left out here. The remaining intervals are 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. See the full D major scale for comparison.
When to use it
D major pentatonic fits D major and D 5th chords. It also works over A 5th and B minor, common in folk and country progressions. Use it for bright, melodic lines in the key of D. Try it over a D major to A 5th progression.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: it keeps the root on the third string, second fret. This shape covers frets 2–5 and prepares you for the higher Box 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in D major pentatonic?
D major pentatonic contains D, E, F♯, A, and B. These are the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 degrees of the D major scale. The fourth and seventh degrees are omitted.
Which chords does D major pentatonic work over?
D major pentatonic works over D major and D 5th chords. It also fits A 5th and B minor chords. These chords appear in many folk and country progressions in the key of D.
How does D major pentatonic differ from D major?
D major pentatonic omits the fourth and seventh degrees of D major. The missing notes are G and C♯. This removal creates a brighter, more open sound.