Explore scales · Ukulele
F acoustic scale on ukulele
F acoustic is F, G, A, B, C, D, E♭. The ♯4 B and ♭7 E♭ create a Lydian dominant sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the F acoustic scale on ukulele?
F acoustic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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 E string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
F acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 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 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F acoustic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 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 C string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F acoustic in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 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 G string at fret 10 and the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
F acoustic in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
F acoustic raises the 4th of F mixolydian from B♭ to B, adding a diminished 5th against the root. The scale contains a tritone but no leading tone. Compare with F mixolydian to hear the altered 4th.
When to use it
F acoustic fits F major and F 5th chords, especially in rock and funk. The ♯4 adds a bright, tense color over dominant progressions. Try it over F major or F 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 5, covering frets 0–3 for easy access to the ♯4.
Common questions
What notes are in the F acoustic scale?
F acoustic contains F, G, A, B, C, D, and E♭. The raised 4th and lowered 7th give it a Lydian dominant quality. It is also called the overtone scale.
Which chords does F acoustic fit?
F acoustic fits F major and F 5th chords. The ♯4 B creates tension over these dominant sounds. Use it for rock, blues, and funk lines.
What is the difference between F acoustic and F mixolydian?
F acoustic raises the 4th from B♭ to B compared to F mixolydian. This creates a diminished 5th interval against the root. The rest of the notes are identical.