Explore scales · Ukulele
C scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele
C Scottish pentatonic uses C, D, F, G, A. Box 1 keeps the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
How do you play the C scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele?
C scottish 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, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C scottish pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 5 | A, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 5 | D, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C scottish 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) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C scottish 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, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
Start from C major pentatonic and raise the third E to F. The intervals are 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with steps W, 1½, W, W, 1½. This removes the major third for a suspended feel. See C major pentatonic for contrast.
When to use it
Use it over C5 or Csus2 to keep the harmony open. The F and G create a suspended colour that suits Scottish folk and modal rock. Try C 5th or C suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3, covering frets 0–3. It gives you the scale in a low position.
Common questions
Which notes are in C Scottish pentatonic?
The notes are C, D, F, G, and A. They follow the pattern 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. The third is omitted, creating a suspended sound.
What chords work with C Scottish pentatonic?
C5 and Csus2 work well because they avoid the third. You can also use D minor and F major for movement. The scale fits over modal vamps.
How is this different from C major pentatonic?
C major pentatonic has E as the third. Scottish pentatonic raises that to F, the fourth. This changes the interval pattern and removes the major third.