Explore scales · Ukulele
C neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
C neutral pentatonic uses C, D, F, G, and B♭. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 5 and string 1 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the C neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
C neutral pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 3 | G, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C neutral pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C neutral pentatonic in box 4 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 E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 10 | D, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 10 | G, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
C neutral pentatonic raises the minor 3rd of C minor pentatonic to a major 2nd, keeping the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. It contains no tritone and no leading tone. Hear the difference against C minor pentatonic.
When to use it
C neutral pentatonic fits C 5th and C suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline F 5th and G minor. Use it over C-based rock or folk progressions. It also works over C 5th and C suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4 fret 5 aligns with the open C string, making it easy to hear the tonic.
Common questions
What notes are in C neutral pentatonic?
C neutral pentatonic contains C, D, F, G, and B♭. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees.
Which chords does C neutral pentatonic fit?
C neutral pentatonic fits C 5th and C suspended 2nd chords. It also works over F 5th and G minor. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is C neutral pentatonic the same as C minor pentatonic?
No. C neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd E♭ with the major 2nd D. The other four notes are identical.