Explore scales · Ukulele
A major scale on ukulele
A major scale notes are A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, and G♯. Box 1 places roots at string 4 fret 2 and string 2 fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the A major scale on ukulele?
A major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 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) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 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 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
A major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 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, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A major in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A major is built from whole and half steps in the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. It contains the notes of the A major pentatonic plus D and G♯, which add the fourth and leading tone. Compare the two scales in A major pentatonic.
When to use it
A major fits the I, IV, and V chords in A major: A major, D major, and E major. Use it for bright melodies in folk, pop, and classical styles.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4 fret 2 anchors the low end, and the high root on string 2 fret 5 keeps the reentrant G out of the way.
Common questions
What notes are in the A major scale?
A major scale notes are A, B, C♯, D, E, F♯, and G♯. The scale follows the whole-step and half-step pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. On ukulele, Box 1 starts at string 4 fret 2.
Which chords does A major fit?
A major fits the A major, D major, and E major chords. These are the I, IV, and V chords in the key of A major. The scale also works over A 5th and D 5th power chords.
What is the difference between A major and A major pentatonic?
A major has seven notes, while A major pentatonic has five. The pentatonic omits D and G♯, the fourth and seventh degrees. Adding those two notes gives the full major scale sound.