Drop D tuning scales
Scales for Drop D tuning with diagrams and explanation.
This presentation includes major, minor and pentatonic scales for the alternate tuning named Drop D. Keep in mind that these instructions are invalid for guitars in standard tuning.
Major scale
D Major is one of the central scales for this particular tuning.
Two-octaves shape, open position
The fingerboard diagram below shows a D Major scale including open strings.
Notes: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C#
Intervals: 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 1
Type: Septonic
Whole fretboard with note names
Start the audio and play along with your guitar! Use notes from the scale in the diagram above.
Normal tempo:Pentatonic Major scale
D Pentatonic Major for the Open D tuning.
Two-octaves shape, open position
The fingerboard diagram below shows a D Pentatonic Major scale including open strings.
Notes: D - E - F# - A - B Intervals: 2 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3 Type: Pentatonic
Studies
Open pdf-file:
Drop D Pentatonic Major scale study (tab & standard notation)
Minor scale
D Minor is another important scale for this particular tuning.
Two-octaves shape, open position
The fingerboard diagram below shows a D Minor scale including open strings.
Notes: D - E - F - G - A - Bb - C
Intervals: 2 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 2
Type: Septonic
Whole fretboard with note names
Start the audio and play along with your guitar! Use notes from the scale in the diagram above.
Normal tempo:Pentatonic Minor scale
D Pentatonic Minor for the Open D tuning.
Two-octaves shape, open position
The fingerboard diagram below shows a D Pentatonic Minor scale including open strings.
Notes: D - E - F# - A - B Intervals: 2 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3 Type: Pentatonic
Studies
Open pdf-file:
Drop D Pentatonic Minor scale study (tab & standard notation)