Explore scales · Ukulele
C major scale on ukulele
C major scale notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. Box 1 places roots at string 4 fret 5 and string 1 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the C major scale on ukulele?
C major 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 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 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C major 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 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C major in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 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) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C major 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 E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
C major in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
C major is the all-natural major scale with the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. It contains the notes of C major pentatonic plus F and B, which add the fourth and leading tone. Compare the two scales in C major pentatonic.
When to use it
C major fits the I, IV, and V chords in C major: C major, F major, and G major. Use it for simple, bright melodies in folk, pop, and classical styles.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4 fret 5 anchors the low end, and the high root on string 1 fret 3 keeps the reentrant G out of the way.
Common questions
What notes are in the C major scale?
C major scale notes are C, D, E, F, G, A, and B. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. On ukulele, Box 1 starts at string 4 fret 5.
Which chords does C major fit?
C major fits the C major, F major, and G major chords. These are the I, IV, and V chords in the key of C major. The scale also works over C 5th and F 5th power chords.
How does C major differ from C major pentatonic?
C major has seven notes, while C major pentatonic has five. The pentatonic omits F and B, the fourth and seventh degrees. Adding those two notes gives the full major scale sound.