Explore scales · Ukulele
G blues diminished scale on ukulele
G blues diminished runs G, A♭, B♭, B, D♭, D, E, F. Box 1 places roots on string 2 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 3, ♭5, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the G blues diminished scale on ukulele?
G blues diminished in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 12 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♭, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | D♭, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3, 4 | F, G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | B♭, B, D♭ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
G blues diminished in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 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, D♭, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | A♭, B♭, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | D♭, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
G blues diminished 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 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, 8, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, D♭, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 10–12
G blues diminished 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 12 and the A 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
G blues diminished is the eight-note half-whole pattern: H, W, H, W, H, W, H, W. It adds a ♭2 to G hungarian major, keeping the ♭3, 3, ♭5, 5, 6, and ♭7. The scale contains a tritone between G and D♭, but no leading tone.
When to use it
G blues diminished fits G major and G minor chords, adding a ♭2 and ♭5 for tension. Use it over blues, jazz, and funk progressions in G. The scale also works over diminished chords built on G♯, B, D, and F.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 1–4 and keeps the root under the first finger on string 2.
Common questions
What notes are in G blues diminished?
G blues diminished contains G, A♭, B♭, B, D♭, D, E, and F. The scale has eight notes. It includes both a minor third and a major third.
Which chords does G blues diminished fit?
G blues diminished fits G major and G minor chords. It also works over G♯, B, D, and F diminished chords. The scale adds chromatic tension to blues progressions.
Is G blues diminished the same as G diminished?
No. G blues diminished has eight notes, while G diminished has seven. The blues diminished scale adds a major third and a major sixth.