The C major scale is the most important scale on any musical instrument. For now, let’s focus on playing the C major scale on the ukulele. My waltz can be played as a solo or duet, hence “C Major Scale Waltz.”
Importance of scales
The notes of a scale make up the notes of that key. It’s similar to the alphabet for any language.
There are many kinds of scales: major, minor, pentatonic, wholetone, octatonic, etc.
Why is it important to learn to play a scale? Here are some but not all the reasons:
- learn what and where the notes are
- practice using the correct fingering to produce the best sounds and ease in transition
- practice proper playing technique (fingerpicking)
- memorize the notes of the scale to improve sightreading
- once you know the scale, it will help you to learn to play melody
Proper fingering
Proper fingerpicking requires using the correct (best) fingering and playing technique.
The names of the right hand fingers are derived from Spanish guitar nomenclature. The right thumb abbreviated p for pulgar is typically used for the G-string. The index finger abbreviated i. Middle finger is m. Ring finger is a for anular. As there are only four strings on the ukulele, we don’t use the little finger which is abbreviated c.
Proper fingerpicking technique
If you’re only using the thumb, use a straight hitchhiker’s thumb.
If you’re only using the thumb and index finger, move them as though you are opening a cap or marker pen. The thumb and index finger move in opposite directions so that the strings vibrate parallel to the body of the ukulele (not inside out). It’s not pinching or plucking or pulling but a movement similar to a twist.
If you’re using the index and middle fingers, alternate them as if they are walking the strings.
The “C Major Scale Waltz” includes five sections. The first one is the C major scale, ascending and descending.
In the second section, I replace the half notes with quarter notes. Otherwise the melody is still the same ascending and descending major scale.
It’s in section B that you can practice alternating index and middle fingers with the occasional use of the thumb on the G-string.
I couldn’t resist adding a “chord melody arrangement” of the first section. The melody and the harmony are played together.
Section D is a harmonized ascending C major scale using broken chords that are different from previous sections. There are many ways to harmonized such a scale, which I explore in my fingerstyle ukulele book on this subject.
Section E is the ending, not shown here.
Harmonized C Major Scale for high G ukulele
There are 12 ways to play the first octave (from the lowest note of middle C) on the high G ukulele. My fifth fingerstyle ukulele book will focus just on the C major scale for the ukulele with different harmonizations (chords) and accompaniment styles.
Pick! Pluck! Play!
“C Major Scale Waltz” will be included in the first level of the book “Pick! Pluck! Play!”
The last page “Ukulele Chords” of the new book contains a table of ukulele chord diagrams ordered alphabetically for the chords used in the book.
I’m thrilled about releasing these books as a precursors (prerequisite) to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Suite, which contains three skill levels.
I am recording all my new compositions in the 100 Days of Ukulele 2025 project. To me, this challenge means uploading a new video recording of a new piece each consecutive day from 1st March to 8th June 2025.
For other recent compositions and arrangements by Anne Ku, please visit the Daily Music Writing Project or scroll through the consecutive blog posts.
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