Explore scales · Ukulele
E neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
E neutral pentatonic uses E, F♯, A, B, and D. Box 1 places roots on string 3 fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the E neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
E neutral pentatonic in box 1 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 C string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 5 | F♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E neutral 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, 7 | B, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
E neutral pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the G string at fret 9 and the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 12 | F♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
E neutral pentatonic raises the minor 3rd of E 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 E minor pentatonic.
When to use it
E neutral pentatonic fits E 5th and E suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline A 5th and B minor. Use it over E-based rock riffs or open-string drones in E. It also works over E 5th and E suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3 fret 4 sits under the middle finger, and the open E string rings as a useful drone.
Common questions
What notes are in E neutral pentatonic?
E neutral pentatonic contains E, F♯, A, B, and D. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees.
Which chords does E neutral pentatonic fit?
E neutral pentatonic fits E 5th and E suspended 2nd chords. It also works over A 5th and B minor. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is E neutral pentatonic the same as E minor pentatonic?
No. E neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd G with the major 2nd F♯. The other four notes are identical.