D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic scale is a unique five-note scale that blends the brightness of a major sound with the dark, exotic tension of a flattened second degree. On Guitar, its notes are D#, G, G#, A, C#. It provides a sophisticated, Spanish color that is useful in both classical and fusion music. Commonly used in Classical, Fusion, Flamenco. Notable players include Chick Corea, Al Di Meola. Use over Maj7, bII chords in Neapolitan contexts. Adds classical Spanish color to fusion and world music.
Notes: D#, G, G#, A, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 5d, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 3 4 b5
Formula: 4-H-H-4-W
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Musical Character
Blends major brightness with the dark tension of a b2 — a sophisticated five-note capsule of the Neapolitan system.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop D
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open G
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in 7-string
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in 8-string
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop C
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Drop B
- D# Neapolitan Major Pentatonic in Open D