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