Explore scales · Ukulele
B♭ acoustic scale on ukulele
B♭ acoustic is B♭, C, D, E, F, G, A♭. The raised 4th E and flat 7th A♭ define its Lydian dominant color.
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 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 G string at fret 3 and the A string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B♭ acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
B♭ acoustic in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B♭ acoustic in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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 C string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
B♭ acoustic in box 5 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 C string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 12 | B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
B♭ acoustic raises the 4th of B♭ mixolydian from E♭ to E, producing a diminished 5th between B♭ and E. The scale has a tritone but no leading tone. Compare with B♭ mixolydian to hear the difference.
When to use it
B♭ acoustic fits B♭ major and B♭ 5th chords. Its ♯4 adds a bright, tense edge to dominant progressions. Use it over B♭ major or B♭ 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 3, covering frets 0–3 for a compact shape.
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 create a Lydian dominant sound. It is also known as the overtone scale. It is also spelled A♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does B♭ acoustic fit?
B♭ acoustic fits B♭ major and B♭ 5th chords. The ♯4 E adds 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.