Essential C Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele

Published: 05 Feb 2013 Updated: 24 Feb 2014Visits: 1Code: UL04-C-ION

Category: ScalesInstrument: Ukulele Subjects: Intermediate • Scales • Improvisation

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Essential C Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele


Essential C Major scale patterns for ukulele.

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Learning scales typically starts with learning a position or pattern by shape. For a lot of players that‘s where it stops. With the many possible shapes between chords and scales to learn - there has to be a better way - There is!!!

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Essential C Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele…

Scales as Collections of Notes

With the overwhelming possible number of chord and scale shapes, it helps if we can build our base by deriving information from already known information.

The Major Scale and the Seven Modes

The major scale is also called the Ionian scale and is one of the seven modes.

These Ionian scale fingerings are also usable for these other modes: Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian scale modes.

Scales can be known by several names and contain the same collection of notes. This allows you to reuse fingerings that you've already worked out.

  • Ionian (Major)
  • Dorian (Minor)
  • Phrygian
  • Lydian
  • Mixolydian (Dominant)
  • Aeolian (Natural Minor)
  • Locrian

Using the C Ionian/Major scale mode as an example. Here are the names of the scales and modes that are ALL part of C Ionian/Major collection. Shown with their modal name and traditional name.

  • C Ionian (Major)
  • D Dorian (Minor)
  • E Phrygian
  • F Lydian
  • G Mixolydian (Dominant)
  • A Aeolian (Natural Minor)
  • B Locrian

See the lesson What is the different between a Scale and a Mode? for more information on jsut what is a scale or mode.

Download the PDF file for the latest, complete, and most up-to-date version. As well as additional information not presented on-line.

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.

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In music, it is important to learn and recognize the key signature for C Major and A Minor. These two keys have corresponding major and natural minor scales, along with basic ukulele chords that can be used with each scale. The key of C Major, also known as the learning key, is particularly easy to memorize and start using.

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Six Essential Scales - Ionian/Major Chords

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Common Chord Progressions for the Key of C Major

Sometimes called the “learning key”, the key of C Major is one of the easiest keys to memorize and begin using. C major (often just C or key of C) is a musical major scale based on C, with pitches C D E F G A B C. Its key signature has no flats or sharps. Its relative minor is A minor A B C D E F G A B.

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Exploring Major Triads on Ukulele Using a I IV I V Progression - C Major

Building major triads using the primary chords of C major. Triads are one of the first chords that really bring to light the need to know the notes of the neck. This lesson shows the three voicings and the solutions for playing a common "1 4 1 5" progression using C, F and G triads on the string 1 2 3 set.

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Primary Chords - C Major

The primary chords for any major key are the I, IV and V chords of its corresponding major scale. For C Major, the primary chords are: C, F, G, and G7. From the primary and secondary chords of a major key, countless songs and chords progressions can be played.

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Secondary Chords - C Major

The secondary chords for any major key are the II, III and VI chords of it's corresponding major scale. For C Major, the secondary chords are: Dm, Em and Am. From the primary and secondary chords of a major key, countless songs and chords progressions can be played.

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The Major Scale

Called the "learning scale" for a reason. The major scale is a great scale for learning how music and chords work. It’s a core scale from which a majority of your core, essential scales can be derived. There are 15 major scales.

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A Selection of Books & Reference Charts that are recommended for creating a solid foundation with your chosen instrument and music in general.

Books

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard – C Tuning

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Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

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Reference Charts

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G - G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E

Key Signatures — Circle of Fourths and Fifths – ANSI A & A4 sizes

A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4

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