Explore scales · Ukulele
D scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele
D Scottish pentatonic uses D, E, G, A, B. Box 1 keeps the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
How do you play the D scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele?
D scottish 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) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
D scottish 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, 7 | E, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
D scottish pentatonic in box 3 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) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
D scottish 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, 12 | E, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Start from D major pentatonic and raise the third F♯ to G. The intervals are 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with steps W, 1½, W, W, 1½. This removes the major third for a suspended feel. See D major pentatonic for contrast.
When to use it
Use it over D5 or Dsus2 to keep the harmony open. The G and A create a suspended colour that suits Scottish folk and modal rock. Try D 5th or D suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5, covering frets 2–5. It gives you the scale in a low position.
Common questions
Which notes are in D Scottish pentatonic?
The notes are D, E, G, A, and B. They follow the pattern 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. The third is omitted, creating a suspended sound.
What chords work with D Scottish pentatonic?
D5 and Dsus2 work well because they avoid the third. You can also use E minor and G major for movement. The scale fits over modal vamps.
How is this different from D major pentatonic?
D major pentatonic has F♯ as the third. Scottish pentatonic raises that to G, the fourth. This changes the interval pattern and removes the major third.