Explore scales · Ukulele
D whole-half scale on ukulele
D whole-half contains D, E, F, G, G♯, A♯, B, and C♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the D whole-half scale on ukulele?
D whole-half in box 1 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 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) | 3, 4 | A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
D whole-half in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 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, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
D whole-half in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 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 G string at fret 7 and the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | G, G♯, A♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 10–12
D whole-half in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the C string at fret 10 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) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 11 | A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
D whole-half alternates whole and half steps from D. The ♯4 G♯ and ♯5 A♯ create the diminished flavor. Compare with D bebop melodic minor to hear the raised fifth. The scale includes a leading tone C♯.
When to use it
D whole-half fits D diminished and D diminished 7th chords. Use it over D diminished progressions in jazz or metal. The leading tone resolves to D major or D minor.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 2, and the shape covers frets 2–5.
Common questions
What notes are in D whole-half?
D whole-half contains D, E, F, G, G♯, A♯, B, and C♯. The scale alternates whole and half steps. It is also called D diminished.
Which chords does D whole-half fit?
D whole-half fits D diminished and D diminished 7th chords. Use it over diminished progressions. The leading tone resolves to D major or D minor.
How does D whole-half differ from D bebop melodic minor?
D whole-half has a ♯4 G♯ and ♯5 A♯, while D bebop melodic minor has a perfect 5th A and an added B♭. The whole-half scale sounds more diminished.