Explore scales · Ukulele
E whole-half scale on ukulele
E whole-half contains E, F♯, G, A, A♯, B♯, C♯, and D♯. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 4, ♯4, ♯5, 6, 7
How do you play the E whole-half scale on ukulele?
E whole-half in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 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, 2, 3 | G, A, A♯ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 3 | B♯, C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, A♯, B♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E whole-half 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) | 5, 6 | B♯, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, A♯ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6, 7 | C♯, D♯, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E whole-half in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 12 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, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8, 9 | A♯, B♯, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
E whole-half in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 12 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the G string at fret 9 and the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, A♯, B♯ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
E whole-half alternates whole and half steps from E. The ♯4 A♯ and ♯5 B♯ create the diminished flavor. Compare with E bebop melodic minor to hear the raised fifth. The scale includes a leading tone D♯.
When to use it
E whole-half fits E diminished and E diminished 7th chords. Use it over E diminished progressions in jazz or metal. The leading tone resolves to E major or E minor.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 3, fret 4, and the shape covers frets 0–3.
Common questions
What notes are in E whole-half?
E whole-half contains E, F♯, G, A, A♯, B♯, C♯, and D♯. The scale alternates whole and half steps. It is also called E diminished.
Which chords does E whole-half fit?
E whole-half fits E diminished and E diminished 7th chords. Use it over diminished progressions. The leading tone resolves to E major or E minor.
How does E whole-half differ from E bebop melodic minor?
E whole-half has a ♯4 A♯ and ♯5 B♯, while E bebop melodic minor has a perfect 5th B and an added C. The whole-half scale sounds more diminished.