Explore scales · Ukulele
F major scale on ukulele
F major scale notes are F, G, A, B♭, C, D, and E. Box 1 places roots at string 3 fret 5 and string 2 fret 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the F major scale on ukulele?
F major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
F major in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F major in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F major in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
F major in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
F major uses the major scale formula W, W, H, W, W, W, H. It shares five notes with F major pentatonic but adds B♭ and E for the fourth and seventh degrees. Compare the two scales in F major pentatonic.
When to use it
F major fits the I, IV, and V chords in F major: F major, B♭ major, and C major. Use it for warm, rounded melodies in jazz and ballads.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3 fret 5 anchors the low end, and the high root on string 2 fret 1 keeps the reentrant G from muddying the bass.
Common questions
What notes are in the F major scale?
F major scale notes are F, G, A, B♭, C, D, and E. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. On ukulele, Box 1 starts at string 3 fret 5.
Which chords does F major fit?
F major fits the F major, B♭ major, and C major chords. These are the I, IV, and V chords in the key of F major. The scale also works over F 5th and B♭ 5th power chords.
What is the difference between F major and F major pentatonic?
F major has seven notes, while F major pentatonic has five. The pentatonic omits B♭ and E, the fourth and seventh degrees. Adding those two notes gives the full major scale sound.