D# Six Tone Symmetric Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
D# Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D# Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Guitar, its notes are D#, E, G, G#, B, C. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: D#, E, G, G#, B, C
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
How to Play D# Six Tone Symmetric on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 11 on the 6th (low E) to find your D# root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is 6th fret on the A string.
The D# Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 2 sharps (D#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the D# Six Tone Symmetric scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on D# to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the D# Six Tone Symmetric scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications.
The D# Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (D#, E, G, G#, B, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for D# Six Tone Symmetric
The D# Six Tone Symmetric scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 6-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore D# Six Tone Symmetric Further
- Harmonize the D# Six Tone Symmetric scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- D# Six Tone Symmetric on Ukulele
- D# Six Tone Symmetric on Bass
- D# Six Tone Symmetric on Piano
Explore D# Six Tone Symmetric in Other Tunings
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- D# Six Tone Symmetric in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)