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