Explore scales · Ukulele
A neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
A neutral pentatonic uses A, B, D, E, and G. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 2 and string 2 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the A neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
A neutral pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 2 and the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A neutral 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, 7 | B, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 7 | E, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A neutral pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A neutral 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, 12 | E, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A neutral pentatonic drops the minor 3rd from A minor pentatonic and raises it to a major 2nd, keeping the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. The result has no tritone and no leading tone. Compare it with A minor pentatonic to hear the brighter second degree.
When to use it
A neutral pentatonic fits A 5th and A suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline D 5th and E minor. Use it over A-based rock riffs or open-string drones in A. It also works over A 5th and A suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4 fret 2, giving easy access to the open A string for pedal tones.
Common questions
What notes are in A neutral pentatonic?
A neutral pentatonic contains A, B, D, E, and G. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees.
Which chords does A neutral pentatonic fit?
A neutral pentatonic fits A 5th and A suspended 2nd chords. It also works over D 5th and E minor. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is A neutral pentatonic the same as A minor pentatonic?
No. A neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd C with the major 2nd B. The other four notes are identical.