Explore scales · Ukulele
E altered scale on ukulele
E altered uses E, F, G, A♭, B♭, C, D. The open G string is not in the scale, so mute it or use fretted notes.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, ♭4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E altered scale on ukulele?
E altered 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 E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E altered in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E altered in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E altered 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 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) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
E altered in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 12 | B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
E altered is the seventh mode of F melodic minor, sharing the same notes. It differs from E locrian by lowering the fourth degree from A to A♭, which creates a major third and a diminished fifth. The scale contains a tritone between E and B♭ and has no leading tone. Compare it with E locrian to hear the ♭4 against the natural 4.
When to use it
E altered fits dominant chords like E 7th flat 5 and E 7th sharp 5. Use it over E7 in jazz and fusion when you want altered tensions. It also works over F minor and G minor progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 4, keeping the shape compact for fast dominant runs.
Common questions
What notes are in E altered?
E altered contains E, F, G, A♭, B♭, C, and D. The scale has a minor second, minor third, major third, diminished fifth, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
Which chords does E altered fit?
E altered fits dominant chords with altered fifths, such as E 7th flat 5 and E 7th sharp 5. It also works over F minor and G minor chords.
Is E altered the same as E locrian?
No, E altered has an A♭ while E locrian has an A. That one note changes the fourth degree from perfect to diminished.