Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ major pentatonic scale on ukulele
F♯ major pentatonic uses F♯, G♯, A♯, C♯, and D♯. Its Box 1 shape places the root on the third string, sixth 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 1 to fret 4, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. 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) | 1, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 4 | A♯, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F♯ major pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 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, 6 | A♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 6 | D♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ major pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 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 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 9 | A♯, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 9 | D♯, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F♯ major pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 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, 11 | D♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ major pentatonic derives from F♯ major by removing the fourth and seventh degrees. The parent scale F♯ major contains B and E♯, which are left out here. The remaining intervals are 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. See the full F♯ major scale for comparison.
When to use it
F♯ major pentatonic fits F♯ major and F♯ 5th chords. It also works over C♯ 5th and E♭ minor, common in rock and metal progressions. Use it for bright, aggressive lines in the key of F♯. Try it over a F♯ major to C♯ 5th progression.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: it keeps the root on the third string, sixth fret. This shape covers frets 1–4 and prepares you for the higher 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. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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 E♭ minor chords. These chords appear in many rock and metal 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.