Explore scales · Ukulele
G altered scale on ukulele
G altered uses G, A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F. The open G string is the root, so you can start lines from the open string.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, ♭4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the G altered scale on ukulele?
G altered in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D♭ on the C string at fret 1 up to D♭ 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) | 1, 3, 4 | A♭, B♭, C♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | D♭, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3, 4 | F, G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | B♭, C♭, D♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G altered in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the C string at fret 3 up to E♭ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | B♭, C♭, D♭ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5 | E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4, 6 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | D♭, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G altered in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 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 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8 | D♭, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7, 8 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7 | B♭, C♭ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G altered in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 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) | 8, 10 | E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | C♭, D♭ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
G altered is the seventh mode of A♭ melodic minor, sharing the same notes. It differs from G locrian by lowering the fourth degree from C to C♭, which creates a major third and a diminished fifth. The scale contains a tritone between G and D♭ and has no leading tone. Compare it with G locrian to hear the ♭4 against the natural 4.
When to use it
G altered fits dominant chords like G 7th flat 5 and G 7th sharp 5. Use it over G7 in jazz and fusion when you want altered tensions. It also works over A♭ minor and B♭ minor progressions.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 2, fret 3, keeping the shape compact for fast dominant runs.
Common questions
What notes are in G altered?
G altered contains G, A♭, B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, and F. The scale has a minor second, minor third, major third, diminished fifth, augmented fifth, and minor seventh.
Which chords does G altered fit?
G altered fits dominant chords with altered fifths, such as G 7th flat 5 and G 7th sharp 5. It also works over A♭ minor and B♭ minor chords.
Is G altered the same as G locrian?
No, G altered has a C♭ while G locrian has a C. That one note changes the fourth degree from perfect to diminished.