Explore scales · Ukulele
G whole scale on ukulele
G whole tone uses G, A, B, C♯, D♯, E♯. Box 3 places the root on string 3, fret 7 and string 1, fret 10.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, ♯6
How do you play the G whole scale on ukulele?
G whole in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 8 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, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | E♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G whole in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ 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) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5 | D♯, E♯ |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G whole in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ 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 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | E♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G whole in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 8 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 | D♯, E♯ |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | E♯, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
G whole in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 8 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) | 10, 12 | E♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G whole tone is a chain of whole steps: G to A to B to C♯ to D♯ to E♯. Its formula is 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, ♯6. Because there are no semitones, the scale lacks a leading tone. Contrast with G lydian augmented, which has seven notes and a semitone.
When to use it
G whole tone suits dominant chords like G 7th flat 5 and G 7th sharp 5. It is used in jazz and film scoring for its unresolved, floating sound.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 3 first. The root on string 3, fret 7 is central, and the second root on string 1, fret 10 provides a high anchor.
Common questions
What is the formula for G whole tone?
The formula is 1, 2, 3, ♯4, ♯5, ♯6. That means the scale has a major third, raised fourth, raised fifth, and raised sixth.
Can I use G whole tone over a G7 chord?
Yes, especially over G7♭5 or G7♯5. The scale's ♯4 and ♯5 match the altered fifth of those chords.
Why does G whole tone sound unresolved?
Because it has no semitones, there is no strong pull to a tonic. The equal spacing creates a floating, ambiguous quality.