Explore scales · Ukulele
D chromatic scale on ukulele
The D chromatic scale runs D, D♯, E, E♯, F♯, G, G♯, A, A♯, B, B♯, C♯. Box 1 anchors the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯1, 2, ♯2, 3, 4, ♯4, 5, ♯5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the D chromatic scale on ukulele?
D chromatic in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 16 notes across 4 strings, from B♯ on the C string at fret 0 up to B♯ on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the C string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | G, G♯, A, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | B♯, C♯, D, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | E, E♯, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | A, A♯, B, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D chromatic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 16 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 C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | A, A♯, B, B♯ |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | D, D♯, E, E♯ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | F♯, G, G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
D chromatic in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 16 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 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | B, B♯, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | E, E♯, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | G♯, A, A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | C♯, D, D♯, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
D chromatic in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 16 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 G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | C♯, D, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | F♯, G, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | A♯, B, B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | D♯, E, E♯, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 8–11
D chromatic in box 5 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 16 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 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | D♯, E, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | G♯, A, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | B♯, C♯, D, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | E♯, F♯, G, G♯ |
Box 6 · frets 10–12
D chromatic in box 6 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 12 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the C string at fret 10 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 11, 12 | E♯, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 11, 12 | A♯, B, B♯ |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11, 12 | D, D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11, 12 | G, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
Take D major and add every missing half step. The scale is a continuous chain of semitones with no whole steps. Compare the eight-note D bebop dominant to hear how chromatic passing tones are used selectively.
When to use it
Play it over D major or D minor progressions to add chromatic passing tones. It suits jazz, blues, and contemporary ukulele styles. The scale connects chord tones smoothly in any D-centred tune.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It places the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5, covering frets 0–3 for easy chromatic movement.
Common questions
Which notes are in the D chromatic scale?
The notes are D, D♯, E, E♯, F♯, G, G♯, A, A♯, B, B♯, C♯. Each note is one semitone higher than the previous. The scale contains all twelve pitch classes.
Which chords fit the D chromatic scale?
Any chord can fit because the scale includes every note. It is commonly used over D major or D minor. Chromatic passing tones connect chord tones smoothly.
How do I practise the D chromatic scale on ukulele?
Start with Box 1 and play one fret per note. Use a metronome at 84 bpm and increase speed gradually. Focus on even timing and clean fretting.