Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
F♯ neutral pentatonic uses F♯, G♯, B, C♯, and E. Box 1 places roots on string 3 fret 6 and string 2 fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the F♯ neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
F♯ neutral 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, 4 | G♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 4 | C♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
F♯ neutral pentatonic in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 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 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 7 | G♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | C♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ neutral 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, 9 | C♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ neutral pentatonic raises the minor 3rd of F♯ minor pentatonic to a major 2nd, keeping the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. It contains no tritone and no leading tone. Hear the difference against F♯ minor pentatonic.
When to use it
F♯ neutral pentatonic fits F♯ 5th and F♯ suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline B 5th and C♯ minor. Use it over F♯-based rock riffs or open-string drones in F♯. It also works over F♯ 5th and F♯ suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3 fret 6 sits under the middle finger, and the open second string rings as a useful drone.
Common questions
What notes are in F♯ neutral pentatonic?
F♯ neutral pentatonic contains F♯, G♯, B, C♯, and E. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does F♯ neutral pentatonic fit?
F♯ neutral pentatonic fits F♯ 5th and F♯ suspended 2nd chords. It also works over B 5th and C♯ minor. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is F♯ neutral pentatonic the same as F♯ minor pentatonic?
No. F♯ neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd A with the major 2nd G♯. The other four notes are identical.