Explore scales · Ukulele
D neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
D neutral pentatonic uses D, E, G, A, and C. Box 1 places roots on string 3 fret 2 and string 1 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the D neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
D neutral pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 3 | E, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D neutral pentatonic in box 2 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, 5 | A, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
D neutral pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the G string at fret 7 and the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
D neutral pentatonic in box 5 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, 12 | E, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 12 | A, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
D neutral pentatonic raises the minor 3rd of D minor pentatonic to a major 2nd, keeping the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. It contains no tritone and no leading tone. Hear the difference against D minor pentatonic.
When to use it
D neutral pentatonic fits D 5th and D suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline G 5th and A minor. Use it over D-based rock riffs or open-string drones in D. It also works over D 5th and D suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3 fret 2 sits under the index finger, and the open D string rings as a useful drone.
Common questions
What notes are in D neutral pentatonic?
D neutral pentatonic contains D, E, G, A, and C. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees.
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. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is D neutral pentatonic the same as D minor pentatonic?
No. D neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd F with the major 2nd E. The other four notes are identical.