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