Explore scales · Ukulele
E major scale on ukulele
E major scale notes are E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, and D♯. Box 1 places a root at string 3 fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the E major scale on ukulele?
E major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 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, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 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 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 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, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
E major in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 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, 11 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E major is a seven-note scale with the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. It contains the notes of E major pentatonic plus A and D♯, adding the fourth and leading tone. Compare the two scales in E major pentatonic.
When to use it
E major fits the I, IV, and V chords in E major: E major, A major, and B major. Use it for bright, cutting melodies in rock and pop.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3 fret 4 anchors the low end, and the high root on string 1 fret 7 keeps the reentrant G out of the way.
Common questions
What notes are in the E major scale?
E major scale notes are E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯, and D♯. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. On ukulele, Box 1 starts at string 3 fret 4.
Which chords does E major fit?
E major fits the E major, A major, and B major chords. These are the I, IV, and V chords in the key of E major. The scale also works over E 5th and A 5th power chords.
How does E major differ from E major pentatonic?
E major has seven notes, while E major pentatonic has five. The pentatonic omits A and D♯, the fourth and seventh degrees. Adding those two notes gives the full major scale sound.