Explore scales · Ukulele
G major pentatonic scale on ukulele
G major pentatonic uses G, A, B, D, and E. Its Box 1 shape keeps the root on the second string, third fret.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the G major pentatonic scale on ukulele?
G major pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
G major 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 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 7 | B, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 7 | E, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
G major pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
G major pentatonic in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the G string at fret 12 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 12 | E, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G major pentatonic is G major without the fourth and seventh degrees. The parent scale G major contains C and F♯, which are omitted here. This leaves the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 intervals, creating a bright, open sound. Compare it with the full G major scale.
When to use it
G major pentatonic fits G major and G 5th chords. It also works over D 5th and E minor, common in folk and rock progressions. Use it for bright, singable lines in the key of G. Try it over a G major to D 5th vamp.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: it keeps the root under your first finger on the second string. This shape covers frets 2–5 and sets up a smooth shift to Box 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in G major pentatonic?
G major pentatonic contains G, A, B, D, and E. These are the 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 degrees of the G major scale. The fourth and seventh degrees are omitted.
Which chords does G major pentatonic work over?
G major pentatonic works over G major and G 5th chords. It also fits D 5th and E minor chords. These chords appear in many folk and rock progressions in the key of G.
How does G major pentatonic differ from G major?
G major pentatonic omits the fourth and seventh degrees of G major. The missing notes are C and F♯. This removal creates a brighter, more open sound.