Explore scales · Ukulele
B altered scale on ukulele
B altered uses B, C, D, E♭, F, G, A. Box 3 places the root on string 2 for a high-register run.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, ♭4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the B altered scale on ukulele?
B altered in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B altered in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. 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) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
B altered in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F 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) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B altered in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
B altered in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Derive B altered from B locrian by lowering the fourth degree E to E♭. The result is 1, ♭2, ♭3, ♭4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7. Compare with B locrian to isolate the ♭4.
When to use it
Use B altered over B7♭5 or B7♯5 chords in jazz and fusion. It suits dominant chords resolving to E. Try it over B 7th flat 5.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 3 first: the root sits on string 2, fret 7, covering frets 5–8 and setting up higher positions.
Common questions
What intervals are in B altered?
B altered has intervals 1, ♭2, ♭3, ♭4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7. The notes are B, C, D, E♭, F, G, A. It is a seven-note scale.
Can B altered be used over B7♯5?
Yes, B altered fits B7♯5 chords. Its verified note order explains the sound without relying on outside harmony. It also has the ♭5 F.
How does B altered differ from B locrian?
B altered lowers the fourth degree from E to E♭. This creates the ♭4 interval. The rest of the notes match B locrian.