Explore scales · Ukulele
B natural minor scale on ukulele
B natural minor uses B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, and A. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 4 and string 1 fret 2 for a mid-neck start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the B natural minor scale on ukulele?
B natural minor in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 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) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
B natural minor in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 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 G string at fret 4 and the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
B natural minor in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 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, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
B natural minor in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
B natural minor is the Aeolian mode of D major, sharing its key signature. It lowers the third, sixth, and seventh degrees of B major. Compared with B minor pentatonic, it adds C♯ and G for full diatonic movement.
When to use it
Use B natural minor over B minor and B 5th progressions in rock, folk, and classical settings. The G and A create a strong pull back to B. B natural minor suits the key of B minor, where the seventh degree stays a whole step below the tonic.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the fourth string and covers frets 1–4 for easy mid-neck phrasing.
Common questions
Which notes are in B natural minor?
B natural minor contains B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, and A. The intervals are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. It is the Aeolian mode of D major.
Which chords fit B natural minor?
B natural minor fits B minor and B 5th chords. The tonic chord is B minor. The scale also works over progressions built from the key of B minor.
How does B natural minor differ from B minor pentatonic?
B natural minor adds C♯ and G to the five notes of B minor pentatonic. The pentatonic scale omits the second and sixth degrees. The natural minor provides a fuller diatonic sound.