scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
E major scale — ukulele chords and intervals
Harmonizing the E major scale produces the most foundational chord family in Western music. The diatonic chords follow a major-minor-minor-major-major-minor-diminished pattern that has powered countless hit songs. The chords built from E major are Emaj7, F#m7, G#m7, Amaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5. The I-IV-V progression is the backbone of pop, rock, and country, while the I-V-vi-IV pattern has become the most popular progression in modern songwriting. Use the ii chord as a gentle pre-dominant and the vii° as a passing tension. Commonly used in Pop, Classical, Country, Folk, Rock. Notable players include The Beatles, Taylor Swift, John Mayer.
The E major scale has the following degrees: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.
Intervals: W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
Diatonic chords: Emaj7, F#m7, G#m7, Amaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | Emaj7 |
| ii | F#m7 |
| iii | G#m7 |
| IV | Amaj7 |
| V | B7 |
| vi | C#m7 |
| vii° | D#m7b5 |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (Emaj7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (F#m7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (G#m7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Amaj7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (B7) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (C#m7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (D#m7b5) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the E major scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the E major scale on ukulele.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over major triads, Maj7, Maj9, and any diatonic chord within the key. The default choice for major-key songwriting.