Essential Bb Major Scale Patterns for `Ukulele

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

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

NOTE: Scales can also be classified as to their scale types. The Ionian, Lydian, and Mixolydian are major scale types. The Dorian, Phrygian, and Aeolian are minor scale types. With the Locrian a diminished scale type.

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