Explore scales · Ukulele
G blues major scale on ukulele
G blues major uses G, A, B♭, B, D, and E. The ♭3–3 pair sits on strings 2 and 1 in Box 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, 3, 5, 6
How do you play the G blues major scale on ukulele?
G blues major in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 4 | A, B♭, B |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 5 | B, D |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
G blues major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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, 7 | B, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 7 | E, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6, 7 | A, B♭, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
G blues major in box 3 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) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 10 | B, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 10 | E, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
G blues major in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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, 12 | E, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 11 | A, B♭, B |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G blues major adds a ♭3 (B♭) to the G major pentatonic notes G, A, B, D, E. The B♭–E pair is a diminished 5th, giving the scale its tritone. This six-note scale keeps the major 3rd B and adds the minor 3rd B♭ for blues colour. Compare it with G major pentatonic.
When to use it
Use G blues major over G major and G minor chords. The ♭3 works against the major 3rd in G major, and the 6th E fits E minor. It suits blues, rock, and funk in G.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root G on string 2, fret 3 and covers frets 2–5.
Common questions
What notes are in G blues major?
G blues major contains G, A, B♭, B, D, and E. The B♭ is a ♭3 and the B is a major 3rd. Together they create the blues sound.
Which chords fit G blues major?
G blues major fits G major and G minor chords. The scale also works over E minor and D 5th. Use it over dominant 7th chords for a bluesy feel.
How is G blues major different from G major pentatonic?
G blues major adds the ♭3 B♭ to G major pentatonic. The pentatonic has G, A, B, D, E. The added B♭ creates tension against the major 3rd.