B Flat Three Pentatonic Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
B Flat Three Pentatonic Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Flat Three Pentatonic scale is a relatively rare jazz pentatonic scale. On Ukulele, it contains the notes B, C#, D, F#, G#. It is an effective tool for navigating blues changes, providing a unique way to differentiate between the different chords of a progression with a quirky, minor-key twist. Commonly used in Jazz, Blues, Experimental. Notable players include Joe Henderson, Wayne Shorter. Use over m7, m7b5 chords. Effective for differentiating chords within a blues progression.
Notes: B, C#, D, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 5P, 6M
Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5
Formula: W-H-4-W-WH
Number of notes: 5
Also known as: kumoi
How to Play B Flat Three Pentatonic on Ukulele
On ukulele, find B on the fret 2 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. With 5 notes, this scale fits neatly on the ukulele's short fretboard without requiring large stretches.
The B Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the B Flat Three Pentatonic scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in B. Try a B5 - F#5 - G#5 progression.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the B Flat Three Pentatonic scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The B Flat Three Pentatonic scale contains 5 notes (B, C#, D, F#, G#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Flat Three Pentatonic
The B Flat Three Pentatonic scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 5-note pentatonic scale, 2-notes-per-string patterns are the most ergonomic way to traverse the fretboard. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore B Flat Three Pentatonic Further
- Harmonize the B Flat Three Pentatonic scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- B Flat Three Pentatonic on Guitar
- B Flat Three Pentatonic on Bass
- B Flat Three Pentatonic on Piano