Explore scales · Bass
A aeolian dominant scale on bass guitar
A aeolian dominant uses A, B, C♯, D, E, F, G. Box 1 puts the root on string 4, fret 5 for a compact start.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A aeolian dominant scale on bass?
A aeolian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A aeolian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
A aeolian dominant in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of A natural minor to C♯ and you get A aeolian dominant. The pattern is W, W, H, W, H, W, W. Compare it with A natural minor to hear the major third against the minor sixth.
When to use it
Use A aeolian dominant over A major or A 5th chords when the progression has a ♭6 colour. It suits klezmer, fusion, and metal riffs that need a major third with a dark sixth. Try it over A major or A 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root sits under your first finger on string 4, fret 5, and the range covers frets 0–3 for easy access.
Common questions
Which notes are in A aeolian dominant?
The notes are A, B, C♯, D, E, F, and G. The intervals are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. The scale has a major third and a minor sixth.
What chords fit A aeolian dominant?
The tonic chord is A major or A 5th. Other chords include B minor 7th flat 5th, C♯ 7th flat 5th, D minor, E minor, F augmented, and G major. Use the scale over these chords in A.
How does A aeolian dominant differ from A natural minor?
A aeolian dominant has a major third (C♯) instead of the minor third (C) in A natural minor. The rest of the notes are the same. This change creates a dominant seventh sound on the tonic.