Major Scale
The Major Scale is a system used to organize music notes into a group. With this “music alphabet” we can create melodies, harmonies, and chords. Each group of notes is commonly referred to as a Key. For example, here is the Major Scale for the Key of C:

The Numbers
Sometimes musicians use numbers instead of letters to label the notes of the major scale. Each number refers to the note’s order in the scale. For example, here is the C Major scale with numbers added.

Scale Steps
The spaces between scale notes are called the Scale Steps. Two notes in neighboring frets are a half-step apart, and two notes with a fret between them are a whole-step. We can see this pattern when we play the C Major scale along one string. We have to skip a fret to reach most of the notes these are all whole-steps. The only half-steps fall between notes 3 + 4 and 7 + 1, these are the only half-steps.

This pattern of whole-steps and half-steps repeats the same in every major scale. Play through these examples of the major scale along one string. When you have the pattern memorized, try to recreated starting on another fret or string that is not shown.

Intervals
Another way scale numbers are used is to describe the distance between two notes. This distance is called the Interval. Each interval has a unique sound that, with study and practice, can be easily recognized. These intervals are the basic building blocks of harmony.

Here is how to play the common intervals shown above on the ukulele.

Chords
By combining multiple intervals together we create chords. Chords are made of at least three different notes (or two intervals) being played together. The most common interval we will be using is a 3^rd. You can see how common ukulele chords contain a Major 3^rd or minor 3^rd interval as part of the chord.

Harmonized Scales
Lets revisit the C Major scale from page 2. We’ll play it the same way along a single string, but this time add a harmony note a 3^rd above each note of the scale. Notice that all the harmony notes also come from the C Major scale and flow in the same order.

 Fret hand
Use as few fingerings as possible for a given scale or melody. If you commit to a set way of playing these patterns will become part of your muscle memory sooner. Refer to page 1 to review the recommended fingerings. If you prefer to play them a different way just make sure to stick to the same for either Major or minor. The fingerings you choose should be consistent on all keys.

Strum hand
There are several options for playing the pairs of strings. As you experiment strive for a balanced tone. Each note should sound together and at the same volume. Here are some techniques you should practice while learning the harmonized scale patterns that follow.

Downstroke: Strum the pair of strings simultaneously as you would play a single string. You may use your bare thumb or a flat pick for this approach. [This technique only works on adjacent string pairs.]

The Pinch: Pinch the pair of strings between your thumb and index finger. You can experiment combining the thumb and other fingers depending on the situation. Some players combine fingers with a flat pick to pinch the strings. This is a more advanced approach.

Crosspicking: Alternate back and forth between each string in the pair. This can be done with a flat pick or by alternating between the thumb and another finger close to the string.

Tremolo: Strum the pair of strings simultaneously alternating downstrokes and upstrokes. The notes begin to blur into a single sound. A flat pick is the best tool for this approach but you may try using your bare thumb. [This technique only works on adjacent string pairs.]

Practice Fingerings
Play the following scales in recurring practice sessions. During the learning stages repetition is key for developing muscle memory, ear training, and sharp technique to develop. Spend a minimum of ten minutes each day and focus on one scale per practice session. First play them ascending and descending thinking (and speaking) the note numbers we learned about on page 2. (ie: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 or 8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1). Play them up and down in thirds (ie: 1,3,5,7 and 2,4,6,8 or the reverse). Also try ascending and descending in groups of three notes (ie: 1,2,3 2,3,4 3,4,5 4,5,6 5,6,7 6,7,8… or the reverse). Breaking the scale apart different ways will help you commit these to memory and help discover musical phrases hidden within the scale.

Chord Connecting
Here is a couple examples of using double stops to spice up a plain chord progression.

Harmonized Melody
“Ob La Di” by the Beatles based on the Bb Major harmonized scale.