Explore scales · Ukulele
B scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele
B Scottish pentatonic uses B, C♯, E, F♯, G♯. Box 3 spans frets 6–9 with roots on string 3, fret 11 and string 2, fret 7.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
How do you play the B scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele?
B scottish 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, 4 | C♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
B scottish 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) | 4, 7 | G♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | C♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
B scottish 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, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Derive it from B major pentatonic by raising the third D♯ to E. The intervals become 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with steps W, 1½, W, W, 1½. The absence of a third gives a suspended quality. Compare with B major pentatonic to hear the raised fourth.
When to use it
Use it over B5 or Bsus2 to keep the harmony open. The E and F♯ create a suspended colour that suits Scottish folk and modal rock. Try B 5th or B suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 3 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 11 and string 2, fret 7, covering frets 6–9. It gives you a high position for melodic runs.
Common questions
Which notes are in B Scottish pentatonic?
The notes are B, C♯, E, F♯, and G♯. They follow the pattern 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. The third is omitted, creating a suspended sound.
What chords work with B Scottish pentatonic?
B5 and Bsus2 work well because they avoid the third. You can also use C♯ minor and E major for movement. The scale fits over modal vamps.
How is this different from B major pentatonic?
B major pentatonic has D♯ as the third. Scottish pentatonic raises that to E, the fourth. This changes the interval pattern and removes the major third.