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 6 and string 2 fret 2.
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 1 to fret 4, 11 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, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F♯ major in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 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, 4, 6 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 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, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8, 9 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F♯ major in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 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, 10, 11 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ major is built from whole and half steps in the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. It contains the notes of F♯ major pentatonic plus B and E♯, which add the fourth and leading tone. 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 bright, cutting melodies in rock and pop.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3 fret 6 anchors the low end, and the high root on string 2 fret 2 keeps the reentrant G out of the way.
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 6. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
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.
How does F♯ major differ from 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.