Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ natural minor scale on ukulele
F♯ natural minor uses F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D, and E. Box 1 places roots on string 3 fret 6 and string 2 fret 2 for a mid-neck start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the F♯ natural minor scale on ukulele?
F♯ natural minor in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 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, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
F♯ natural minor in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the C string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ natural minor 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, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F♯ natural minor in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 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) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ natural minor is the Aeolian mode of A major, sharing its key signature. It lowers the third, sixth, and seventh degrees of F♯ major. Compared with F♯ minor pentatonic, it adds G♯ and D for full diatonic movement.
When to use it
Use F♯ natural minor over F♯ minor and F♯ 5th progressions in rock, metal, and classical settings. The D and E create a strong pull back to F♯. F♯ natural minor suits the key of F♯ minor, where the seventh degree stays a whole step below the tonic.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the third string and covers frets 1–4 for easy mid-neck phrasing.
Common questions
Which notes are in F♯ natural minor?
F♯ natural minor contains F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, D, and E. The intervals are 1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. It is the Aeolian mode of A major. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit F♯ natural minor?
F♯ natural minor fits F♯ minor and F♯ 5th chords. The tonic chord is F♯ minor. The scale also works over progressions built from the key of F♯ minor.
How does F♯ natural minor differ from F♯ minor pentatonic?
F♯ natural minor adds G♯ and D to the five notes of F♯ minor pentatonic. The pentatonic scale omits the second and sixth degrees. The natural minor provides a fuller diatonic sound.