D Minor Six Pentatonic Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in Half Step Down tuning — fretboard diagram
D Minor Six Pentatonic in Half Step Down — Notes and Intervals
The D Minor Six Pentatonic scale is a variation of the minor pentatonic that introduces a major sixth, giving it a Dorian flavor. On Guitar, the notes are D, F, G, A, B. It is more sophisticated and soulful than the standard minor pentatonic and is frequently used in jazz and fusion to outline minor chords with a brighter edge. Commonly used in Jazz, Fusion, Neo-Soul, R&B. Notable players include Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Erykah Badu. Use over m6, m7, mMaj7 chords. Adds a jazz sophistication to minor chord soloing without fully committing to a 7-note scale.
Notes: D, F, G, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5
Formula: WH-W-W-W-WH
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
By replacing the b7 of the minor pentatonic with a natural 6th, this scale gains a Dorian flavor — brighter and more sophisticated than standard minor pentatonic.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- vi – viM7 – vi7 – II (Descending Minor Cliché)Classical / Pop — Romance & Intrigue
- iv – ♭VII – I (Backdoor Cadence)Jazz / Soul — Soulful & Unexpected
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Standard Tuning
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Drop D
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in DADGAD
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Open G
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in 7-string
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in 8-string
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Drop C
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Drop B
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Open D
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Open E
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Open A
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Double Drop D
- D Minor Six Pentatonic in Open C