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