The open D chord is another important fretboard “shape”. Here we’ll learn about the “built-in” pentatonic scale pattern that surrounds and encompasses the D chord?
Fig. 1
Here’s the fabulous open D chord:
Fig. 2
Here’s the D chord with it’s pentatonic scale shape:
Fig. 3
In this diagram you can see how the open chord shape and scale shape surround each other:
Fig. 4
Suggested fingerings:
Fig. 5
I should tell you that I added the 3rd note on the D string. Later we’ll learn the movable shape for the scale where this note will be on the G string instead. The only problem is that the open position doesn’t allow for this note. If we literally keep to the actual pattern it would look like the diagram below- just imagine that extra note on the G string- it would be on the “-1 fret”, or a half step below the open G string.
