Explore scales · Ukulele
A acoustic scale on ukulele
A acoustic is A, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G. The ♯4 D♯ and ♭7 G give it a Lydian dominant sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the A acoustic scale on ukulele?
A acoustic in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 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 G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
A acoustic in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 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 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A acoustic in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A acoustic raises the 4th of A mixolydian from D to D♯, adding a diminished 5th against the root. The scale contains a tritone between A and D♯ but no leading tone. Compare it with A mixolydian to hear the altered 4th.
When to use it
A acoustic fits A major and A 5th chords, especially in rock and funk. The ♯4 adds a bright, tense color over dominant progressions. Try it over A major or A 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 2, covering frets 1–4 for easy access to the ♯4.
Common questions
What notes are in the A acoustic scale?
A acoustic contains A, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, and G. The raised 4th and lowered 7th give it a Lydian dominant quality. It is also called the overtone scale.
Which chords does A acoustic fit?
A acoustic fits A major and A 5th chords. The ♯4 D♯ creates tension over these dominant sounds. Use it for rock, blues, and funk lines.
What is the difference between A acoustic and A mixolydian?
A acoustic raises the 4th from D to D♯ compared to A mixolydian. This creates a diminished 5th interval against the root. The rest of the notes are identical.