Explore scales · Ukulele
E major pentatonic scale on ukulele
E major pentatonic uses E, F♯, G♯, B, and C♯. Its Box 1 shape places the root on the third string, fourth fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the E major pentatonic scale on ukulele?
E 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 4.
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
E major 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 C string at fret 4 and the A 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
E major 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 G string at fret 9 and the A 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
E major pentatonic derives from E major by removing the fourth and seventh degrees. The parent scale E major contains A and D♯, which are left out here. The remaining intervals are 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. See the full E major scale for comparison.
When to use it
E major pentatonic fits E major and E 5th chords. It also works over B 5th and C♯ minor, common in rock and blues progressions. Use it for bright, driving lines in the key of E. Try it over a E major to B 5th progression.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: it keeps the root on the third string, fourth fret. This shape covers frets 1–4 and prepares you for the higher Box 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in E major pentatonic?
E major pentatonic contains E, F♯, G♯, B, and C♯. These are the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 degrees of the E major scale. The fourth and seventh degrees are omitted.
Which chords does E major pentatonic work over?
E major pentatonic works over E major and E 5th chords. It also fits B 5th and C♯ minor chords. These chords appear in many rock and blues progressions in the key of E.
How does E major pentatonic differ from E major?
E major pentatonic omits the fourth and seventh degrees of E major. The missing notes are A and D♯. This removal creates a brighter, more open sound.