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B neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
B neutral pentatonic uses B, C♯, E, F♯, and A. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 4 and string 1 fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the B neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
B 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 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 | 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
B neutral 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, 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
B 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 11.
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
B neutral pentatonic raises the minor 3rd of B minor pentatonic to a major 2nd, keeping the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. It contains no tritone and no leading tone. Compare with B minor pentatonic to hear the lifted second degree.
When to use it
B neutral pentatonic fits B 5th and B suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline E 5th and F♯ minor. Use it over B-based modal jams or open-string drones in B. It also works over B 5th and B suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4 fret 4 sits under the index finger, and the open second string rings as a useful drone.
Common questions
What notes are in B neutral pentatonic?
B neutral pentatonic contains B, C♯, E, F♯, and A. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees.
Which chords does B neutral pentatonic fit?
B neutral pentatonic fits B 5th and B suspended 2nd chords. It also works over E 5th and F♯ minor. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is B neutral pentatonic the same as B minor pentatonic?
No. B neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd D with the major 2nd C♯. The other four notes are identical.