Explore scales · Ukulele
C♯ major pentatonic scale on ukulele
C♯ major pentatonic uses C♯, D♯, E♯, G♯, and A♯. Its Box 1 shape keeps the root on the third string, first fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the C♯ major pentatonic scale on ukulele?
C♯ major 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 C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 4 | E♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 4 | A♯, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C♯ major pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the G string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 6 | A♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5 | D♯, E♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C♯ major pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10 | D♯, E♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 11 | E♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ major pentatonic is C♯ major without the fourth and seventh degrees. The parent scale C♯ major contains F♯ and B♯, which are omitted here. This leaves the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 intervals, creating a bright, open sound. Compare it with the full C♯ major scale.
When to use it
C♯ major pentatonic fits C♯ major and C♯ 5th chords. It also works over A♭ 5th and B♭ minor, common in jazz and fusion progressions. Use it for bright, angular lines in the key of C♯. Try it over a C♯ major to A♭ 5th vamp.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: it keeps the root under your first finger on the third string. This shape covers frets 1–4 and sets up a smooth shift to Box 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in C♯ major pentatonic?
C♯ major pentatonic contains C♯, D♯, E♯, G♯, and A♯. These are the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 degrees of the C♯ major scale. The fourth and seventh degrees are omitted. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does C♯ major pentatonic work over?
C♯ major pentatonic works over C♯ major and C♯ 5th chords. It also fits A♭ 5th and B♭ minor chords. These chords appear in many jazz and fusion progressions in the key of C♯.
How does C♯ major pentatonic differ from C♯ major?
C♯ major pentatonic omits the fourth and seventh degrees of C♯ major. The missing notes are F♯ and B♯. This removal creates a brighter, more open sound.