Explore scales · Ukulele
B chromatic scale on ukulele
The B chromatic scale runs B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯, G♯, G♯♯, A♯. Box 1 anchors the root on string 4, fret 4 and string 1, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯1, 2, ♯2, 3, 4, ♯4, 5, ♯5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the B chromatic scale on ukulele?
B chromatic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 16 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the C string at fret 0 up to B♯ 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, 1, 2, 3 | F♯♯, G♯, G♯♯, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | B♯, C♯, C♯♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | G♯♯, A♯, B, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B chromatic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 16 notes across 4 strings, from C♯♯ on the C string at fret 2 up to C♯♯ 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, 3, 4, 5 | G♯♯, A♯, B, B♯ |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | C♯♯, D♯, E, E♯ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | F♯, F♯♯, G♯, G♯♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯ |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
B chromatic in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 16 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 G string at fret 4 and the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | G♯, G♯♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
B chromatic in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 16 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 E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | F♯, F♯♯, G♯, G♯♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | A♯, B, B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | D♯, E, E♯, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 8–11
B chromatic in box 5 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 16 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, 9, 10, 11 | D♯, E, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | G♯, G♯♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | B♯, C♯, C♯♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | E♯, F♯, F♯♯, G♯ |
Box 6 · frets 11–12
B chromatic in box 6 runs from fret 11 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B on the C string at fret 11 up to G♯♯ 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) | 11, 12 | F♯, F♯♯ |
| 3 (C) | 11, 12 | B, B♯ |
| 2 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, G♯♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Take B major and add every missing half step. The scale is a continuous chain of semitones with no whole steps. Compare the eight-note B bebop dominant to hear how chromatic passing tones are used selectively.
When to use it
Use it over B major or B minor chords for chromatic passing tones. It works in jazz, classical, and avant-garde ukulele pieces. The scale provides a smooth connector in any B-centred progression.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 4 and string 1, fret 2, covering frets 0–3 for accessible chromatic runs.
Common questions
Which notes are in the B chromatic scale?
The notes are B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯, G♯, G♯♯, A♯. Every adjacent pair is a half step apart. The scale contains all twelve pitch classes.
Which chords fit the B chromatic scale?
Because it includes every note, any chord can fit. It is most often used over B major or B minor. Chromatic passing tones connect chord tones smoothly.
How do I practise the B chromatic scale on ukulele?
Start with Box 1 and play one fret per note. Use a metronome at 80 bpm and increase speed gradually. Focus on even timing and clean fretting.