Explore scales · Ukulele
G major scale on ukulele
G major scale notes are G, A, B, C, D, E, and F♯. Box 1 places a root at string 2 fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
How do you play the G major scale on ukulele?
G major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 0 and the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
G major in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 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, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
G major in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 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, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G major in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 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 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
G major in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G major uses the major scale formula W, W, H, W, W, W, H. It shares five notes with G major pentatonic but adds C and F♯ for the fourth and seventh degrees. Compare the two scales in G major pentatonic.
When to use it
G major fits the I, IV, and V chords in G major: G major, C major, and D major. Use it for bright, ringing melodies in folk and country.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 2 fret 3 anchors the low end, and the high root on string 2 fret 3 keeps the reentrant G from muddying the bass.
Common questions
What notes are in the G major scale?
G major scale notes are G, A, B, C, D, E, and F♯. The scale follows the pattern W, W, H, W, W, W, H. On ukulele, Box 1 starts at string 2 fret 3.
Which chords does G major fit?
G major fits the G major, C major, and D major chords. These are the I, IV, and V chords in the key of G major. The scale also works over G 5th and C 5th power chords.
What is the difference between G major and G major pentatonic?
G major has seven notes, while G major pentatonic has five. The pentatonic omits C and F♯, the fourth and seventh degrees. Adding those two notes gives the full major scale sound.