Published:
2020-04-01
Updated:
2021-12-27
Learning Ukulele with Curt
The Seven Scale Modes, Open Position Examples
The seven scale modes on ukulele in open postion with TAB and scale diagrams.
Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: UL04-modes-uke
Main Category: Scales Main Instrument: Any
Categories: Chords, Scales, TAB, Theory, Modes
2026-08-23
The seven scale modes on ukulele in open postion with TAB and scale diagrams.
Pythagoras (569BC- 475BC) - discovered the numerical ratios which determine the intervals of the musical scale. Theses are the seven tones of the C Ionian or C Major scale. He was a fine musician, playing the lyre, and he used music as a means to help those who were ill.
From the 7 notes of the Ionian scale came the seven modes, all inversions of C Ionian.
Here are the seven modes in C, in the open position.
C Ionian (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 Phrygian C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C`
Use the audio to compare the sounds of the individual scales.
C Lydian C D E F# G A B 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 Locrian C Db Eb F Gb Ab Bb C`
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 possibilities 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.
End of Lesson - Thanks, Hope You Enjoyed It!
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