Explore scales · Ukulele
G acoustic scale on ukulele
G acoustic is G, A, B, C♯, D, E, F. The ♯4 C♯ and ♭7 F create a Lydian dominant sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the G acoustic scale on ukulele?
G acoustic 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 E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
G acoustic in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 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 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
G acoustic in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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 C string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
G acoustic in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 12 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G acoustic raises the 4th of G mixolydian from C to C♯, adding a diminished 5th against the root. The scale contains a tritone but no leading tone. Compare with G mixolydian to hear the altered 4th.
When to use it
G acoustic fits G major and G 5th chords, especially in rock and funk. The ♯4 adds a bright, tense color over dominant progressions. Try it over G major or G 5th.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 2, fret 3, covering frets 1–4 for easy access to the ♯4.
Common questions
What notes are in the G acoustic scale?
G acoustic contains G, A, B, C♯, D, E, and F. The raised 4th and lowered 7th give it a Lydian dominant quality. It is also called the overtone scale.
Which chords does G acoustic fit?
G acoustic fits G major and G 5th chords. The ♯4 C♯ creates tension over these dominant sounds. Use it for rock, blues, and funk lines.
What is the difference between G acoustic and G mixolydian?
G acoustic raises the 4th from C to C♯ compared to G mixolydian. This creates a diminished 5th interval against the root. The rest of the notes are identical.