Explore scales · Ukulele
C acoustic scale on ukulele
C acoustic is C, D, E, F♯, G, A, B♭. The raised 4th F♯ and flat 7th B♭ define its Lydian dominant color.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the C acoustic scale on ukulele?
C acoustic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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 C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C 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 G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
C acoustic in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 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 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
C acoustic in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
C acoustic raises the 4th of C mixolydian from F to F♯, producing a diminished 5th between C and F♯. The scale has a tritone but no leading tone. Compare with C mixolydian to hear the difference.
When to use it
C acoustic fits C major and C 5th chords. Its ♯4 adds a bright, tense edge to dominant progressions. Use it over C major or C 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 4, fret 5, covering frets 0–3 for a compact shape.
Common questions
What notes are in the C acoustic scale?
C acoustic contains C, D, E, F♯, G, A, and B♭. The raised 4th and lowered 7th create a Lydian dominant sound. It is also known as the overtone scale.
Which chords does C acoustic fit?
C acoustic fits C major and C 5th chords. The ♯4 F♯ adds tension over these dominant sounds. Use it for rock, blues, and funk lines.
What is the difference between C acoustic and C mixolydian?
C acoustic raises the 4th from F to F♯ compared to C mixolydian. This creates a diminished 5th interval against the root. The rest of the notes are identical.