Explore scales · Ukulele
C♯ natural minor scale on ukulele
C♯ natural minor uses C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, and B. Box 1 places roots on string 4 fret 6 and string 1 fret 4 for a mid-neck start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the C♯ natural minor scale on ukulele?
C♯ natural minor in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 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, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C♯ natural minor in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 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) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C♯ natural minor in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 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 G string at fret 6 and the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C♯ natural minor in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 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, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ natural minor is the Aeolian mode of E major, sharing its key signature. It lowers the third, sixth, and seventh degrees of C♯ major. Compared with C♯ minor pentatonic, it adds D♯ and A for full diatonic movement.
When to use it
Use C♯ natural minor over C♯ minor and C♯ 5th progressions in rock, metal, and classical settings. The A and B create a strong pull back to C♯. C♯ natural minor suits the key of C♯ minor, where the seventh degree stays a whole step below the tonic.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the fourth string and covers frets 1–4 for easy mid-neck phrasing.
Common questions
Which notes are in C♯ natural minor?
C♯ natural minor contains C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, and B. The intervals are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. It is the Aeolian mode of E major. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit C♯ natural minor?
C♯ natural minor fits C♯ minor and C♯ 5th chords. The tonic chord is C♯ minor. The scale also works over progressions built from the key of C♯ minor.
How does C♯ natural minor differ from C♯ minor pentatonic?
C♯ natural minor adds D♯ and A to the five notes of C♯ minor pentatonic. The pentatonic scale omits the second and sixth degrees. The natural minor provides a fuller diatonic sound.