D Minor #7m Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The D Minor #7m Pentatonic scale is a minor pentatonic variation that includes a major seventh, echoing the tension of the melodic minor scale. On Guitar, the notes are D, F, G, A, C#. It is used to create a Minor-Major mystery, providing a simple but effective way to add a dark, classical tension to modern solos. Commonly used in Jazz, Film Scores, Classical. Notable players include Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock. Use over mMaj7, mMaj9 chords. Adds classical tension to modern minor-key solos.
Notes: D, F, G, A, C#
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-4-H
Number of notes: 5
Tuning: Half Step Down (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb)
About Half Step Down Tuning
Eb Standard tuning lowers every string by one half step (Eb-Ab-Db-Gb-Bb-Eb), producing a slightly darker, heavier tone while keeping all standard chord shapes and scale patterns intact. This tuning has been the default for some of the greatest guitarists in rock and blues history, including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Slash.
The half-step drop reduces string tension, making bending easier and giving a warmer, slightly thicker tone. For vocalists, the lower pitch can make singing more comfortable. Jimi Hendrix tuned to Eb on virtually all of his recordings — from 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)' to 'Little Wing'. Stevie Ray Vaughan paired Eb tuning with very heavy strings to create his legendary thick tone on classics like 'Pride and Joy' and 'Texas Flood'. Slash used Eb for most Guns N' Roses recordings including 'Sweet Child O' Mine' and 'November Rain'. Alice in Chains also recorded extensively in Eb Standard.
Notable artists: Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Slash (Guns N' Roses), Alice in Chains, Nirvana
Best for: Blues-rock, classic rock, and any style where you want easier bending, slightly darker tone, and full compatibility with standard tuning shapes
Musical Character
The major 7th against a minor 3rd creates the characteristic 'Minor-Major' tension — dark and unsettling yet refined.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- vi – viM7 – vi7 – II (Descending Minor Cliché)Classical / Pop — Romance & Intrigue
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Drop D
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in DADGAD
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open G
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in 7-string
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in 8-string
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Drop C
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Drop B
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open D
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open E
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open A
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- D Minor #7m Pentatonic in Open C