Published:
2018-09-19
Updated:
2026-09-29

Learning Ukulele with Curt

Essential Scales

A scale is a collection of pitches a.k.a. notes, used for creating melodies, either pre composed or improvised on the spot. A scale is also used for the harmony – the chords. The melodies and chords create a tonality. The most common source for these melodies and chords is the Major scale. Also known as the Ionian scale or mode.

Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: ML15

Main Category: Scales Main Instrument: Ukulele

Categories: Chords, Scales, Theory, Melody, Major, Modal, Altered, Harmony

Louis-Martin/Curt-2020-FFUF

2026-08-23

Number of Pages: 6

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Essential Scales

Each note of a scale is called a scale degree or scale tone and uses one of the seven letters of the musical alphabet: A B C D E F G and can also have the addition of a sharp (#) or flat (b). The distance between each scale degree can be expresses in steps. The distance from the root or 1st note of the scale to one of the other notes of the scale is called an intervals and has a name and distance. For the purposes of this lesson that can be expressed as a number, degree representing it’s position in the scale relative to the root or 1.

Scale can be organized as: Traditional, Modal, Contemporary, Altered and Exotic.

Ukulele Examples - C Tuning

A few of the scales on Ukulele using C Major in C Tuning, Open Position.

Ionian (Major)

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

C Ionian (Major)

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

More Essential Scales content below, continue exploring...


More Essential Scales


Dorian (Minor)

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

C Dorian (Minor)

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

Phrygian

C Phrygian C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C`

C Phrygian

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

Lydian

C Lydian C D E F# G A B C`

C Lydian

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

Mixolydian

C Mixolydian C D E F G A Bb C`

C Mixolydian

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

Aeolian (Natural Minor)

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

C Aeolian (Natural Minor)

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

Locrian

C Locrian C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C`

C Locrian

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

A mode is when the characteristic scale tone is stressed.

A scale is when all tones are equal.

Once you master the open position for any given scale the hard work is navigating the many possibilies along the fingerboard. Here is a lesson on Navigating the Major Scale using the Six Secrets of Ukulele Fingering of that can be applied to any scale or mode.

art by Curt Sheller

End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!

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