Explore scales · Ukulele
F blues major scale on ukulele
F blues major uses F, G, A♭, A, C, and D. The ♭3–3 pair sits on strings 3 and 2 in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the F blues major scale on ukulele?
F blues major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 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, 1, 2 | G, A♭, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
F blues major in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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, 5 | A, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 5 | D, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4, 5 | G, A♭, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F blues major in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 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 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7, 8 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F blues major in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 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, 10 | D, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 9 | G, A♭, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
F blues major in box 5 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 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 12 | A, C |
| 2 (E) | 10 | D |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11, 12 | G, A♭, A |
Why it sounds like that
F blues major adds a ♭3 (A♭) to the F major pentatonic notes F, G, A, C, D. The A♭–D pair is a diminished 5th, giving the scale its tritone. This six-note scale keeps the major 3rd A and adds the minor 3rd A♭ for blues colour. Compare it with F major pentatonic.
When to use it
Use F blues major over F major and F minor chords. The ♭3 works against the major 3rd in F major, and the 6th D fits D minor. It suits blues, rock, and funk in F.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root F on string 3, fret 5 and covers frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in F blues major?
F blues major contains F, G, A♭, A, C, and D. The A♭ is a ♭3 and the A is a major 3rd. Together they create the blues sound.
Which chords fit F blues major?
F blues major fits F major and F minor chords. The scale also works over D minor and C 5th. Use it over dominant 7th chords for a bluesy feel.
How is F blues major different from F major pentatonic?
F blues major adds the ♭3 A♭ to F major pentatonic. The pentatonic has F, G, A, C, D. The added A♭ creates tension against the major 3rd.