Explore scales · Ukulele
C whole scale on ukulele
C whole tone uses C, D, E, F♯, G♯, A♯. Box 4 gives the root on string 3, fret 12 and string 2, fret 8.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, ♯6
How do you play the C whole scale on ukulele?
C whole in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 8 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) | 1, 3 | G♯, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | A♯, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C whole in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 8 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) | 3, 5 | A♯, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C whole in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 8 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 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | G♯, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
C whole in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 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, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | A♯, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 8–11
C whole in box 5 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 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 E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
C whole tone is built from six consecutive whole steps: C to D to E to F♯ to G♯ to A♯. The intervals are 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, ♯6. This scale has no leading tone, which removes any sense of resolution. Compare with C lydian augmented, which adds a B and creates a semitone.
When to use it
C whole tone works over C 7th flat 5 and C 7th sharp 5. It is used in jazz improvisation and for creating a sense of mystery or suspension.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 4 first. The root on string 3, fret 12 is high and clear, and the second root on string 2, fret 8 connects to the lower octave.
Common questions
What notes are in C whole tone?
The notes are C, D, E, F♯, G♯, and A♯. Each note is a whole step from the previous one.
Which chords can I play C whole tone over?
Use it over C7♭5 or C7♯5 chords. The scale contains both the flattened and sharpened fifth, matching those altered dominant chords.
Why does C whole tone sound dreamy?
Because it lacks semitones, there is no strong tension or resolution. The equal spacing creates a floating, ambiguous sound.