Explore scales · Ukulele
F major pentatonic scale on ukulele
F major pentatonic uses F, G, A, C, and D. Its Box 1 shape keeps the root on the third string, fifth fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the F major pentatonic scale on ukulele?
F major pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 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 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
F major pentatonic in box 2 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 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, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F major pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 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 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F major pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 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, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
F major pentatonic is F major without the fourth and seventh degrees. The parent scale F major contains B♭ and E, which are omitted here. This leaves the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 intervals, creating a bright, open sound. Compare it with the full F major scale.
When to use it
F major pentatonic fits F major and F 5th chords. It also works over C 5th and D minor, common in pop and rock progressions. Use it for bright, catchy lines in the key of F. Try it over a F major to C 5th vamp.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: it keeps the root under your first finger on the third string. This shape covers frets 0–3 and sets up a smooth shift to Box 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in F major pentatonic?
F major pentatonic contains F, G, A, C, and D. These are the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 degrees of the F major scale. The fourth and seventh degrees are omitted.
Which chords does F major pentatonic work over?
F major pentatonic works over F major and F 5th chords. It also fits C 5th and D minor chords. These chords appear in many pop and rock progressions in the key of F.
How does F major pentatonic differ from F major?
F major pentatonic omits the fourth and seventh degrees of F major. The missing notes are B♭ and E. This removal creates a brighter, more open sound.