Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele

Six essential scale that can get through a wide variety of traditional and contemporary music.

Published: 02 Jan 2005 Updated: 09 Nov 2021Visits: 1602Code: UL04

INSTRUMENTS: Scales Main: Ukulele Others: Ukulele
Subjects: Beginner • Intermediate • Scales • Quickstart • Advanced • Jazz • Core • Modes

All 6 sample page(s) are viewable on-line.

If you are a registered site member, have verified your email address, and have the correct permissions you can view ALL the pages of this PDF or Samples pages at a larger size using the LearningUkulele.com Online PDF Viewer .

This Download is NOT part of your LearningUkulele.com membership level.

Sign-up for Premium Site Access or Upgrade Your Plan your current access level to download this PDF or your can purchase a copy for download.

After purchasing a PDF , a download link will be sent to you within 24hrs. Working on getting it to be automated.

Each PDF file is a formatted, high resolution file that prints out great. You'll need a PDF Reader or application capable of viewing PDF files to view the PDF.

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

Members and Active Students need to sign-in to download this lesson's PDF for the complete lesson.

Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele


These are six essential scales for ANY instrument, not just the ukulele.

The six essential scales are: Blues, Major Pentatonic, Mixolydian, Dorian, Aeolian, and Ionian. From the six essential scales, you can get through a wide variety of traditional and contemporary music.

Most music starts with a scale. The melody, chords, licks and riffs all can be related back to a particular scale or scales.

Additional Content
Available for Premium Site Access Plans Only

Sorry, can't give it ALL away!

This content requires a Premium / Gold Access Plan or enrolled in the Study with Curt - On-line or Private Lesson Program.

To view additional content for this page you'll need to either Sign In or Register for or Upgrade to a Premium Site Access Plan.

Login or SignUp to View Content

Open Position scale shapes and MIDI examples are below of each of the six essential scales.

Sign-IN — it's FREE — to view, un-blur this lesson.

Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele…

Here are the Six Essential Scales, in open position, the Key of C . Check out this video The Seven Scale Modes, Open Position Examples to see the Ionian, Dorian, Mixolydian, and Aeolian scales played on ukulele in open position.

NOTE: Play each MIDI example to compare the sounds and inherent characteristic of each scale/mode.

UL04_six_scales

Baritone Note: For using this lesson, Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele with G Tuning: D G B E. The scale shapes will work and will produce the scale based on the root being G. All the notes will be basse of the G Make Scale: C A B C D E F# G'. An example for the notes of the G Blues scale are: G Bb C C#/Db D F G'

C Blues (Minor Pentatonic) C Eb F G Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Pentatonic (Major) C D E F G A B C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Dorian (Minor) C D Eb F G A Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Mixolydian C D E F G A Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Aeolian (Natural Minor) C D Eb F G Ab Bb C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

C Ionian (Major) C D E F G A B C`

Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.

What IS a Scale?

A scale is simply a collection of pitches or notes, not really a "this is a Jazz scale", "this is a Blues" or "this is a Rock scale". It's how a scale is used that really matters, not its name.

Most music starts with a scale. The melody, chords, licks, and riffs all can be related back to a particular scale or scales.

The Six Essential Scales ( in no particulate order ):

Essential Reference Scales

There are two scales that can be the memorized and other essential scales referenced from these two. These two scales are the Ionian/Major and Aeolian/Natural Minor scales. The Major and Natural Minor scales are traditional scales and common scales in all forms of contemporary music.

This lesson explores the Major and Natural Minor scales and their derivations.

QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingerings for Ukulele

This lesson uses the same page format as the QuickStart Scale & Arpeggio Fingering series of books.

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele 3 volumes.
C, G, and D tuning. (QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele )

The QuickStart Scale Fingerings Vol 1 covers the Blues, Pentatonic, Dorian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Ionian scales.

Each scale is also available as an individual book.

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.

Related Lessons

Related Lessons for Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele.

UL25

Whole Tone Scale for `Ukulele - C Tuning

Updated: 20 Mar 2024

The "Whole Tone scale" is a symmetrical scale with an equal distance been each note or scale degree.

UL124

The Harmonized Major and Minor Scale Charts

Updated: 11 Jan 2022

The "Major Scale" or Ionian scale is a diatonic scale, made up of seven distinct notes, plus an eighth which duplicates the first one octave higher. In solfege these notes correspond to the syllables Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti/Si, (Do), the Do in the parenthesis at the end being the octave of the root.

UL13

Learning The Blues Scale on `Ukulele

Updated: 12 Feb 2019

Learn the Blues ( Minor Pentatonic ) and Pentatonic ( Major Pentatonic ) scales on ukulele. A practical approach to learning theses two essential scales using the Blues. These five note scales, the Major Pentatonic and the Blues or Minor Pentatonic scales are two of the most common scales used in contemporary music.

UL110

What is the Difference Between a Scale and a Mode?

Updated: 08 Jun 2023

The terms "scale" and "mode" are often used interchangeably, but strictly speaking, there is a significant difference between them in music theory. Although they may share the same set of notes, a scale and a mode or modal scale are not the same thing. It's important to note that a scale and a mode can contain the same notes.

MLRMAe-15

Harmonic Analysis - Modes Harmonized Chord Charts

Updated: 13 Dec 2022

The triads and 4-part chords for ALL 15 major and minor keys.

ML-basic-11

The Major Scale

Updated: 02 Apr 2021

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.

UL04p

A Practical Approach to Exploring Scales

Updated: 10 Jul 2023

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.

UL04j

Essential Jazz Scales for `Ukulele

Updated: 06 Apr 2020

After you mastering the six essentials scales below and start to explore more advanced styles of music, especially jazz. There are a few more scales that are needed to cover the broader harmonic palette that a typical jazz tune draws from.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele.

Blues Chord Progressions

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

From A to Z - These are the 26 blues chord progressions, extracted from my book "Blues Chord Progressions for Ukulele from A to Z" for use with on-line and private students.

QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingering Series

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingering Series are a concise, well-organized series of books and lessons ideal for any ukulele, guitar or fretted string player beginning to explore scales and arpeggios. Unlike so many other instruction books on the market, QuickStart Scale and Arpeggio Fingering Series keeps a sharp focus on the six critical scales, their fingerings and their related chords. All material is covered in every key.

The Blues Progression in Common Keys

Updated: 01 Jan 2003

This series of common blues chord progressions uses the seventh chord vs. a triad to explore the blues chord progression.

Related Songs

Related Songs for Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele.

ANYSONG

Any Song Will Do

Updated: 07 Dec 2015

This is not really a song, but simply saying that for the purposes of a lot of the lessons and lesson series on this site ANY song will do for exploring the lesson's material and concepts presented in the lesson.

Related Books & Charts

Related Books for Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele.

QS1UKES

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, C Tuning

Updated: 01 Apr 2024

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.

QS1UKES-D

QuickStart Scale Fingerings for Ukulele, Volume I, D Tuning

Updated: 01 Jun 2006

This book is out of print and has been replaced by the individual scale books covering each scale with additional information.

QS1UKES-G

QuickStartScale Fingerings for Tenor and Baritone Ukulele, Volume I, G Tuning

Updated: 13 Apr 2023

This book is out of print and has been replaced by the individual scale books covering each scale with additional information.

ULUNN-C

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - C Tuning

Updated: 18 Jan 2023

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard. Learning the notes of your instrument allows you the flexibility of not having to remember so many shapes. There are simply way too many chords, scale and notes patterns, and shapes to remember. It all comes down the notes.

ULUNN-D

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning

Updated: 23 Sep 2009

If your goal is to finally learn the names of the notes on the ukulele fingerboard. Then Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning is your answer. Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - D Tuning, has a step by step approach to finally mastering the ukulele fingerboard.

ULUNN-G

Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning

Updated: 23 Aug 2009

If your goal is to finally learn the names of the notes on the ukulele fingerboard. Then Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning is your answer. Learning the Ukulele Fingerboard - G Tuning, has a step by step approach to finally mastering the ukulele fingerboard.

6SUF

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Updated: 03 Oct 2022

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.

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

Finally, learn the names of the notes of the fingerboard.

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering

Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics.

Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution

Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition.

Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer

Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think.

Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele

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.

Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

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

Checkout the Books for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.

Related Lesson Files, Resources and Assets

Related Assets for Six Essential Scales for `Ukulele.

WEB_CONTENT_ONLY

Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering - Scale Worksheet

Updated: 31 Dec 2016

Scale fingering chart worksheet for exploring multiple and alternate pathways through a scale.

Site Access Plans for LearningUkulele.com

Forever Access - With Forever Premium Access, you get ALL the benefits of a Premium Access Subscription such as Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources, related assets, and ALL books by Curt as FREE downloads. Pretty much everything on the site, and NEVER worry about a subscription or surprise payment again. And jump the queue for responding to any questions.

If you're anything like me (Curt) and getting Subscription overloaded with everything and everybody on-line wanting money from you once a month — I'm with you. For like-minded individuals, this forever plan is a pay once, and you're done.

The price for Unlimited Forever access is right around the cost of a few months of private lessons. I can guarantee there is more than enough material on-line to keep you busy for a long, long time. And, you get all of my books for FREE. That alone is more than the cost of this plan.

Premium Access - This premium gives you Unlimited 24/7 access to ALL lessons, downloads, songs, play-along jam tracks, videos, email access to Curt, resources and related assets. As well as ALL books by Curt Sheller as FREE downloads.

Basic Access - A limited selection of basic lessons — ( currently over 140 ) and 100+ songs for ukulele as well as basic general music reference material — Completely FREE — Simply Register/Signup. HOWEVER - I've been doing ukulele and LearningUkulele.com since 2003 and probably have given too much away already - as reflected in my income from the site in relationship to the time spent on the site. So help support this site and its continued development by signing up for one of the below Premium Access Plans or buy a few of my books. - Thanks, Curt

NOTE: Each higher access level includes ALL the benefits of the lower levels. Private Lessons include all the benefits of a Premium Access Plans as long as you remain a student on the schedule.

Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books!Peter Rhee

Aloha, Curt, All I can say is WOW! What you have accomplished is simply incredible! All the bestGlen Hirabayashi, The Aloha Boys

Folks, if you haven't stopped by Curt's site, do so right now! ..And get his books, they are fantastic. This guy knows his stuff and is able to pass it along too.Alan Johnson Proprietor, The 4th Peg

I can highly recommend Curt's Uke books — I have four of them and they are excellent.fatveg — Portland

Want to drop LearningUkulele.com & Learning Ukulele with Curt a nice comment . We always like to know how we are and you are doing. We'll post any comment, quotes throughout the site and you can help spread the word .

Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!

curtieAnim.gif rw.vg.gif

Original Curtie Animation from 1987 for my first web site on a Macintosh II, 37 years ago. Man, does time fly.

“Built for myself (Curt), and sharing with the `Ukulele community!”

LearningUkulele.com has one of the largest collections of lessons, songs, and TABS, Luthiers, ukulele builders, ukulele festival and club information, and, ukulele links on the web. Curt has been on the ®Internet since the early 1990's and This site just never stops growing!!!

Content is added and updated daily — so check back often. I really do need to get out more ;-)

Love LearningUkulele.com? • Show your support!
Support development via a monthly membership or a one-time forever membership!