Explore scales · Ukulele
F scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele
F Scottish pentatonic uses F, G, B♭, C, D. Box 1 keeps the root on string 3, fret 5 and string 2, fret 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
How do you play the F scottish pentatonic scale on ukulele?
F scottish 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, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F scottish 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) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F scottish 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, 10 | G, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
Derive it from F major pentatonic by raising the third A to B♭. The intervals become 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 with steps W, 1½, W, W, 1½. The missing third gives a suspended quality. Compare with F major pentatonic to hear the raised fourth.
When to use it
Use it over F5 or Fsus2 to keep the harmony open. The B♭ and C create a suspended colour that suits Scottish folk and modal rock. Try F 5th or F suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 5 and string 2, fret 1, covering frets 0–3. It gives you the scale in a low position.
Common questions
Which notes are in F Scottish pentatonic?
The notes are F, G, B♭, C, and D. They follow the pattern 1, 2, 4, 5, 6. The third is omitted, creating a suspended sound.
What chords work with F Scottish pentatonic?
F5 and Fsus2 work well because they avoid the third. You can also use G minor and B♭ major for movement. The scale fits over modal vamps.
How is this different from F major pentatonic?
F major pentatonic has A as the third. Scottish pentatonic raises that to B♭, the fourth. This changes the interval pattern and removes the major third.