Explore scales · Ukulele
E blues major scale on ukulele
E blues major uses E, F♯, G, G♯, B, and C♯. The ♭3–3 pair sits on strings 3 and 2 in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the E blues major scale on ukulele?
E blues major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 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, 4 | G♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 4 | C♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4 | F♯, G, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E blues major in box 2 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) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 7 | G♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | C♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E blues major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 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, 9 | C♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 8 | F♯, G, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
E blues major in box 4 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 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, 11 | G♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9 | C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 11 | F♯, G, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E blues major adds a ♭3 (G) to the E major pentatonic notes E, F♯, G♯, B, C♯. The G–C♯ pair is a diminished 5th, giving the scale its tritone. This six-note scale keeps the major 3rd G♯ and adds the minor 3rd G for blues colour. Compare it with E major pentatonic.
When to use it
Use E blues major over E major and E minor chords. The ♭3 works against the major 3rd in E major, and the 6th C♯ fits C♯ minor. It suits blues, rock, and funk in E.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root E on string 3, fret 4 and covers frets 1–4.
Common questions
What notes are in E blues major?
E blues major contains E, F♯, G, G♯, B, and C♯. The G is a ♭3 and the G♯ is a major 3rd. Together they create the blues sound.
Which chords fit E blues major?
E blues major fits E major and E minor chords. The scale also works over C♯ minor and B 5th. Use it over dominant 7th chords for a bluesy feel.
How is E blues major different from E major pentatonic?
E blues major adds the ♭3 G to E major pentatonic. The pentatonic has E, F♯, G♯, B, C♯. The added G creates tension against the major 3rd.