E Persian Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
E Persian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Persian scale is an exotic and highly symmetrical scale that evokes an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. On Ukulele, it contains the notes E, F, G#, A, Bb, C, D#. Its dense semitones and wide intervals create a winding, hypnotic melodic path that sounds both ancient and mystical. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Ambient. Notable players include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Buckethead. Use over sustained root notes or drones. Works best in modal, non-functional harmony where the exotic intervals can breathe.
Notes: E, F, G#, A, Bb, C, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-H-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play E Persian on Ukulele
On ukulele, find E on the fret 4 area, and work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The E Persian scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the E Persian scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Exotic scales like the Persian often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on E. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.
Ukulele Tips
The compact fretboard of the ukulele makes the E Persian scale easy to visualize in a single position. Use this to your advantage by memorizing the scale shape relative to chord shapes you already know.
The E Persian scale contains 7 notes (E, F, G#, A, Bb, C, D#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Persian
The E Persian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore E Persian Further
- Harmonize the E Persian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- E Persian on Guitar
- E Persian on Bass
- E Persian on Piano