F Six Tone Symmetric Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
What chords fit over F Six Tone Symmetric?
Open F Six Tone Symmetric HarmonizerF Six Tone Symmetric Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale is a mathematical abstraction that divides the octave into six equal parts. On Ukulele, its notes are F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D. It lacks a tonic or a home note, making it perfect for modern composers who want to avoid traditional keys and explore total tonal suspension. Commonly used in Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen. Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Notes: F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5A, 6M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 #5 6
Formula: H-WH-H-WH-H-WH
Number of notes: 6
Musical Character
Divides the octave into 6 mathematically equal parts — a scale without a home. Perfect for composers who want to intentionally avoid any tonal center.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Contemporary Classical, Experimental, Avant-Garde
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Olivier Messiaen
How to Use the F Six Tone Symmetric Scale
Use for atonal or polytonal composition. Not chord-specific — this is a tool for breaking free of traditional harmony.
Origin & Background
A mathematical abstraction used by 20th-century experimental composers like Bartok and Messiaen.
How to Play F Six Tone Symmetric on Ukulele
On ukulele, find F on the fret 5 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 6 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale contains both sharps and flats (1 sharp, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. 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 100 BPM and play the F Six Tone Symmetric 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.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F to let the characteristic intervals of the Six Tone Symmetric scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the F Six Tone Symmetric scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know. Aim for a abstract quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The F Six Tone Symmetric scale contains 6 notes (F, Gb, A, Bb, C#, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F Six Tone Symmetric
The F Six Tone Symmetric 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 6-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 F Six Tone Symmetric Further
- Harmonize the F Six Tone Symmetric scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- F Six Tone Symmetric on Guitar
- F Six Tone Symmetric on Bass
- F Six Tone Symmetric on Piano