Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

E Minor Pentatonic Guitar Scale in Whole Step Down

Minor Pentatonic scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Whole Step Down.

Formula 1 b3 4 5 b7
Tuning D A F C G D
Scale Notes 5 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
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5
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D D
E
G
A
B
D
E
G
A
B
A A
B
D
E
G
A
B
D
E
G
F
G
A
B
D
E
G
A
B
D
C
D
E
G
A
B
D
E
G
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G G
A
B
D
E
G
A
B
D
E
D D
E
G
A
B
D
E
G
A
B
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D|---------------------------0--2--|
A|------------------------2--------|
F|------------------2--4-----------|
C|------------2--4-----------------|
G|---0--2--4-----------------------|
D|2--------------------------------|

0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 11 notes

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

The E Minor Pentatonic scale uses E, G, A, B, D and the formula 1 b3 4 5 b7. In Whole Step Down tuning, the open strings run D A F C G D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each E root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.

Overview

Minor Pentatonic sounds direct, punchy and riff-friendly. Try it for blues-rock solos, hard-rock riffs and familiar lead vocabulary. Whole Step Down lowers every string by two semitones. The string relationships stay the same as Standard tuning.

Practice Tip

Anchor on the root and b7, then add bends around the b3 for feel. In Whole Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds a whole tone lower.

  • E
  • G
  • A
  • B
  • D

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

These chords contain notes from the selected scale.

  • Emminor
  • E5power
  • Esus4sus4
  • Em7minor 7
  • G5power
  • Gsus2sus2
  • A5power
  • Asus4sus4
  • Asus2sus2
  • D5power

Related Pages

Related Scales