Navigating the C Major Scale

Every Finger, Every String

Published: 19 Sep 2018 Updated: 23 Nov 2022Visits: 317Code: UL6SUF-CMaj

INSTRUMENTS: Scales Main: Ukulele Others: Ukulele Baritone
Subjects: Scales • Major • Principles

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Navigating the C Major Scale


The C Major Scale is typically the first Full Diatonic major scale that most players learn. It’s the first scale to learn when stating to explore music theory - the principles of music.

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With the ukulele’s ability to play notes in alternate locations along the fingerboard this scale can be played in different positions.

Every Finger Every String

Ultimately you should able to play any note using any finger. A great way to explore the fingerboard is to start on every note of a scale and play all available notes in that position (vertical) or along the strings (horizontal).

We’ll start our exploration using the C major scale and starting on each note of the scale along string three , playing all available notes in a four or five fret span.

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Essential C Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele

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Essential C Major 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!!!

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Key Signatures - C Major and A Minor

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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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Connecting Scale Positions on `Ukulele

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Whether it’s connecting licks, riffs, scale positions, arpeggios, sequences or melodies – navigating the fingerboard and connecting the various positions - it’s all about using sound fingering principles. I’ve adapted Chuck Anderson's, The Six Secrets of Guitar Fingering to the ukulele in my book The Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering. It’s from these six fingering principles that connecting positions and navigating the multitude of possible pathways on the ukulele can become second nature.

Related Lesson Series

Related Lessons Series for Navigating the C Major Scale.

Pass Gymnastics for Ukulele

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Beyond the basic four fret fingering position, it's on to the remaining fingering principles for navigating the fingerboard. The second in the series is the Pass.

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Related Books & Charts

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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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Checkout the Books for ALL available books.

Reference Charts

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

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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 Navigating the C Major Scale.

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Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering - Scale Worksheet

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

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Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering - Scale Worksheet Example

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