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