D# Fifth Guitar Arpeggio
Guitar arpeggio — fretboard diagram
D# Fifth Arpeggio — Notes and Intervals
Notes: D#, A#
Intervals: 1P, 5P
Formula: 7
Number of notes: 2
Also known as: 5
The D# Fifth arpeggio contains 2 notes (D#, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this arpeggio on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
When to Use the D# Fifth Arpeggio
Play the D# Fifth arpeggio whenever a D# Fifth chord appears in a progression. Unlike scales (which include passing tones), arpeggios guarantee every note you play IS a chord tone, making your solo sound harmonically precise and intentional.
Arpeggio vs. Scale
The D# Fifth arpeggio uses 2 notes (D#, A#) while the full scale uses 7. The arpeggio is a subset — think of it as the skeleton of the scale. Practice alternating between the arpeggio and the full scale to develop a melodic vocabulary that mixes chord tones with passing tones.
How to Play D# Fifth Arpeggio on Guitar
Root your D# Fifth arpeggio at fret 11 on the 6th (low E), or alternatively at 6th fret on the A string. With only 2 notes (D#, A#), this arpeggio spans wide intervals across the strings — sweep picking is an efficient way to move through it cleanly. Keep your pick angle consistent and let each note ring individually.
The D# Fifth arpeggio outlines a D#Fifth chord. Playing these 2 tones (D#, A#) over the matching harmony ensures your melodic lines clearly follow the chord changes.
Practice Routine
Start by playing the D# Fifth arpeggio ascending and descending at 60 BPM, one note per beat, using a metronome. Once even and confident, play it in eighth notes, then triplets, keeping each note articulate. Spend at least 5 minutes daily on this before moving to musical application.
Guitar Tips
Try playing the D# Fifth arpeggio on guitar by superimposing it over the corresponding D# major barre chord shape. This visual connection between chord and arpeggio helps you find arpeggio tones instantly during improvisation.
Related Resources
Explore D# Fifth in Other Tunings
- D# Fifth in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Fifth in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D# Fifth in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D# Fifth in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D# Fifth in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D# Fifth in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D# Fifth in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D# Fifth in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D# Fifth in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D# Fifth in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D# Fifth in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D# Fifth in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D# Fifth in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Fifth in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)