Explore scales · Ukulele
A♭ whole-half scale on ukulele
A♭ whole-half contains A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, D, E, F, and G. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 1 and string 2, fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the A♭ whole-half scale on ukulele?
A♭ whole-half in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 12 notes across 4 strings, from D♭ on the C string at fret 1 up to D♭ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 1 and the E string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | A♭, B♭, C♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | D♭, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3, 4 | F, G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | B♭, C♭, D♭ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A♭ whole-half in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 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 E string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | C♭, D♭, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | A♭, B♭, C♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | D♭, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
A♭ whole-half in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the C string at fret 8 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 8 and the A string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | A♭, B♭, C♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | D♭, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10, 11 | F, G, A♭ |
Box 4 · frets 10–12
A♭ whole-half in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 11 | B♭, C♭ |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
A♭ whole-half alternates whole and half steps from A♭. The ♯4 D and ♯5 E create the diminished flavor. Compare with A♭ bebop melodic minor to hear the raised fifth. The scale includes a leading tone G.
When to use it
A♭ whole-half fits A♭ diminished and A♭ diminished 7th chords. Use it over A♭ diminished progressions in jazz or metal. The leading tone resolves to A♭ major or A♭ minor.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 1, and the shape covers frets 1–4.
Common questions
What notes are in A♭ whole-half?
A♭ whole-half contains A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, D, E, F, and G. The scale alternates whole and half steps. It is also called A♭ diminished. It is also spelled G♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does A♭ whole-half fit?
A♭ whole-half fits A♭ diminished and A♭ diminished 7th chords. Use it over diminished progressions. The leading tone resolves to A♭ major or A♭ minor.
How does A♭ whole-half differ from A♭ bebop melodic minor?
A♭ whole-half has a ♯4 D and ♯5 E, while A♭ bebop melodic minor has a perfect 5th E♭ and an added F♭. The whole-half scale sounds more diminished.