Explore scales · Ukulele
A major pentatonic scale on ukulele
A major pentatonic uses A, B, C♯, E, and F♯. Its Box 1 shape keeps the root on the fourth string, second fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the A major pentatonic scale on ukulele?
A major pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | C♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
A major pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 9 | C♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 9 | F♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A major pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 12 | C♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A major pentatonic is A major without the fourth and seventh degrees. The parent scale A major contains D and G♯, which are omitted here. This leaves the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 intervals, creating a bright, open sound. Compare it with the full A major scale.
When to use it
A major pentatonic fits A major and A 5th chords. It also works over E 5th and F♯ minor, common in rock and country progressions. Use it for bright, melodic lead lines in the key of A. Try it over an A major to E 5th vamp.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: it keeps the root under your first finger on the fourth string. This shape covers frets 4–7 and sets up a smooth shift to Box 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in A major pentatonic?
A major pentatonic contains A, B, C♯, E, and F♯. These are the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 degrees of the A major scale. The fourth and seventh degrees are omitted.
Which chords does A major pentatonic work over?
A major pentatonic works over A major and A 5th chords. It also fits E 5th and F♯ minor chords. These chords appear in many rock and country progressions in the key of A.
How does A major pentatonic differ from A major?
A major pentatonic omits the fourth and seventh degrees of A major. The missing notes are D and G♯. This removal creates a brighter, more open sound.