Explore scales · Ukulele
E chromatic scale on ukulele
The E chromatic scale runs E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯, G♯, A, A♯, B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯, D♯. Box 1 anchors the root on string 3, fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♯1, 2, ♯2, 3, 4, ♯4, 5, ♯5, 6, ♯6, 7
How do you play the E chromatic scale on ukulele?
E 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 E string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | F♯♯, G♯, A, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | B♯, C♯, C♯♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 2, 3 | A, A♯, B, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E chromatic in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 16 notes across 4 strings, from C♯♯ on the C string at fret 2 up to C♯♯ 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) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | A, A♯, B, B♯ |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | C♯♯, D♯, E, E♯ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | F♯, F♯♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 4, 5 | B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯ |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
E 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 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, 5, 6, 7 | B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | G♯, A, A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 6, 7 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
E 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 9 and the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | C♯, C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 8, 9 | F♯, F♯♯, 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
E 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 G string at fret 9.
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♯, C♯♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 10, 11 | E♯, F♯, F♯♯, G♯ |
Box 6 · frets 10–12
E 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 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 11, 12 | E♯, F♯, F♯♯ |
| 3 (C) | 10, 11, 12 | A♯, B, B♯ |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11, 12 | C♯♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11, 12 | F♯♯, G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
Start from E major and insert the missing semitones. All twelve notes sit a half step apart, so the scale has no whole steps. The eight-note E bebop dominant shows a selective use of chromatic passing tones.
When to use it
Play it over E major or E minor progressions to add chromatic passing tones. It suits jazz, blues, and contemporary ukulele styles. The scale connects chord tones smoothly in any E-centred tune.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It places the root on string 3, fret 4, covering frets 0–3 for easy chromatic movement.
Common questions
Which notes are in the E chromatic scale?
The notes are E, E♯, F♯, F♯♯, G♯, A, A♯, B, B♯, C♯, C♯♯, D♯. Each note is one semitone higher than the previous. The scale contains all twelve pitch classes.
Which chords fit the E chromatic scale?
Any chord can fit because the scale includes every note. It is commonly used over E major or E minor. Chromatic passing tones connect chord tones smoothly.
How do I practise the E chromatic scale on ukulele?
Start with Box 1 and play one fret per note. Use a metronome at 92 bpm and increase speed gradually. Focus on even timing and clean fretting.