Explore scales · Ukulele
G neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele
G neutral pentatonic uses G, A, C, D, and F. Box 1 places roots on string 2 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7
How do you play the G neutral pentatonic scale on ukulele?
G neutral pentatonic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 0 and the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 3 | A, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
G neutral pentatonic in box 2 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, 5 | A, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 5 | D, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G neutral pentatonic in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the C string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 8 | A, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G neutral pentatonic in box 4 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, 10 | D, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
G neutral pentatonic raises the minor 3rd of G minor pentatonic to a major 2nd, keeping the perfect 4th, perfect 5th, and minor 7th. It contains no tritone and no leading tone. Compare with G minor pentatonic to hear the lifted second degree.
When to use it
G neutral pentatonic fits G 5th and G suspended 2nd chords, and its notes outline C 5th and D minor. Use it over G-centred funk or modal vamps. It also works over G 5th and G suspended 2nd.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 2 fret 3 sits under the index finger, and the open G string rings as a useful drone.
Common questions
What notes are in G neutral pentatonic?
G neutral pentatonic contains G, A, C, D, and F. The formula is 1, 2, 4, 5, ♭7. It omits the 3rd and 6th degrees.
Which chords does G neutral pentatonic fit?
G neutral pentatonic fits G 5th and G suspended 2nd chords. It also works over C 5th and D minor. Avoid full major or minor triads with a 3rd.
Is G neutral pentatonic the same as G minor pentatonic?
No. G neutral pentatonic replaces the minor 3rd B♭ with the major 2nd A. The other four notes are identical.