Explore scales · Ukulele
F neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
F neutral pentatonic uses F, G, B♭, C, and E♭. Box 1 places roots on string 3 fret 5 and string 2 fret 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the F neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
F neutral 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, 3 | G, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F neutral pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the C string at fret 3 up to E♭ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the C string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5 | E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 6 | G, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 6 | C, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F neutral 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, 8 | C, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | E♭, F |
Why it sounds like that
F neutral pentatonic raises the minor 3rd of F minor pentatonic to a major 2nd, keeping the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. It contains no tritone and no leading tone. Compare with F minor pentatonic to hear the lifted second degree.
When to use it
F neutral pentatonic fits F 5th and F suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline B♭ 5th and C minor. Use it over F-centred funk or modal vamps. It also works over F 5th and F suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3 fret 5 sits under the index finger, and the open second string provides a high F anchor.
Common questions
What notes are in F neutral pentatonic?
F neutral pentatonic contains F, G, B♭, C, and E♭. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees.
Which chords does F neutral pentatonic fit?
F neutral pentatonic fits F 5th and F suspended 2nd chords. It also works over B♭ 5th and C minor. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is F neutral pentatonic the same as F minor pentatonic?
No. F neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd A♭ with the major 2nd G. The other four notes are identical.