Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ acoustic scale on ukulele
F♯ acoustic is F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯, D♯, E. The raised 4th B♯ and flat 7th E define its Lydian dominant color.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the F♯ acoustic scale on ukulele?
F♯ acoustic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the C string at fret 0 up to B♯ on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 3 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | A♯, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F♯ acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the C string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5, 6 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 4, 6 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ acoustic in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the C string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8, 9 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F♯ acoustic in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the G string at fret 11 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9, 11 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ acoustic raises the 4th of F♯ mixolydian from B to B♯, producing a diminished 5th between F♯ and B♯. The scale has a tritone but no leading tone. Compare with F♯ mixolydian to hear the difference.
When to use it
F♯ acoustic fits F♯ major and F♯ 5th chords. Its ♯4 adds a bright, tense edge to dominant progressions. Use it over F♯ major or F♯ 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 6, covering frets 0–3 for a compact shape.
Common questions
What notes are in the F♯ acoustic scale?
F♯ acoustic contains F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯, D♯, and E. The raised 4th and lowered 7th create a Lydian dominant sound. It is also known as the overtone scale. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does F♯ acoustic fit?
F♯ acoustic fits F♯ major and F♯ 5th chords. The ♯4 B♯ adds tension over these dominant sounds. Use it for rock, blues, and funk lines.
What is the difference between F♯ acoustic and F♯ mixolydian?
F♯ acoustic raises the 4th from B to B♯ compared to F♯ mixolydian. This creates a diminished 5th interval against the root. The rest of the notes are identical.