The five "Major/Ionian" scale positions — a summary. The five basic positions are simply the expansion above and below the root and octave of the one octave scale fingerings using the notes that are available in that position. This lesson explores that on the lowest note of the position with every finger.
Subjects(s): Scales • Major • Essential • Position • Fingerings • Summary
Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele - Major Scale Five Position Summarieson: Bluesky • facebook • twitter (X)
The five Major/Ionian scale positions — a summary.
The five basic positions are simply the expansion above and below the root and octave of the one octave scale fingerings using the notes that are available in that position.
This lesson explores that on the lowest note of the position with every finger.
Historically, these individual positions have been called on the CAGED fingering system. The CAGED fingering system gets its name from the open position C, A, G, E and D chords. And like it's name, you typically get caught in this cage and cannot navigate between scale positions. They are simply fingerboard shapes with set fingerings, with most players not able to instantly identify the notes and how they relate to the other notes in the scale or chords played.
These positions are ONLY a starting point and frankly on the position that only cover four frets have any real functionally. All the work we do will be connecting these positions using the fingering principles from my books The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering.
- The ultimate goal is to be able to start on any finger, any string and PLAY.
The five Major/Ionian scale positions — a summary.
The five basic positions are simply the expansion above and below the root and octave of the one octave scale fingerings using the notes that are available in that position.
This lesson explores that on the lowest note of the position with every finger.
Historically, these individual positions have been called on the CAGED fingering system. The CAGED fingering system gets its name from the open position C, A, G, E and D chords. And like it's name, you typically get caught in this cage and cannot navigate between scale positions. They are simply fingerboard shapes with set fingerings, with most players not able to instantly identify the notes and how they relate to the other notes in the scale or chords played.
These positions are ONLY a starting point and frankly on the position that only cover four frets have any real functionally. All the work we do will be connecting these positions using the fingering principles from my books The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering.
- The ultimate goal is to be able to start on any finger, any string and PLAY.
Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.
Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele - Major Scale Five Position Summaries.
Essential C Pentatonic or Major Pentatonic scale patterns for ukulele. 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!!!
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.
On ukulele there aren't many positions where you can play a one octave scale from the root to octave. An instrument like the guitar with the additional lower strings five and six allows one to play a one octave scale in multiple positions in the basic 4-fret, 4-finger position. On ukulele there might be one or two depending on the scale and the key - and whether your using a low string four tuning. This lesson offers a practical approach to practicing your scales on ukulele.
Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele - Major Scale Five Position Summaries.
Learn to create exciting solos in a variety of contemporary styles! Scales are used to improvise, create melodies and riffs. With broad knowledge of the essential scales that are used in contemporary music and a mastery of the ukulele's fingerboard and fingering principles, you're well on your way.
The Ionian scale is a major scale more commonly known by its traditional name - Major and one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions for strings four and three and any finger with the Mixolydian scale chords are covered in all keys. Sample chord progressions for practice are included. Tunings: C with low or high G - (GCEA or gCEA). This book includes access to four studio recorded backing tracks for exploring the scale and improvisation in a variety of settings. Tracks are also great for practicing your chords against.
The Pentatonic or Major Pentatonic is one of six essential scales for ALL ukulele players. One octave scale fingering solutions covering strings four and three using any finger. Pentatonic (Major Pentatonic) scale chords are covered in all keys.
Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics. Whether your style is Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz or Classical, these principles will improve your technique, your solos, even your sight reading. Think of fingering as a series of pathways. When you learn to connect these pathways, there are benefits not only to technique but also to creativity.
return in your investment)—it is this— learning the
f*ckingnotes of your OWN instrument. Sorry for the tough talks—but it is sooooo true!
Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think. Book: Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer
An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing. Book: Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele
Checkout the Books & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.
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
A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A) , A4