Explore scales · Ukulele
A aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
A aeolian dominant uses A, B, C♯, D, E, F, G. Box 1 keeps both roots under the hand for quick two-octave runs.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A aeolian dominant scale on ukulele?
A aeolian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A aeolian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the C string at fret 9 up to A on the A string at fret 12. The root falls on the C string at fret 9 and the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of A natural minor from C to C♯ and you get A aeolian dominant. The scale keeps the minor sixth F and minor seventh G, so the major third sits against a dark upper tetrachord. Compare it with A natural minor to hear the single-note change.
When to use it
Use it over A major or A 5th when the progression borrows from minor. The ♭6 and ♭7 work over A major in rock and klezmer lines. Try it on a i–♭VII–♭VI vamp in A.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the low root on string 4, fret 2 anchors the pattern and the high root on string 2, fret 5 marks the octave.
Common questions
Which chords fit A aeolian dominant?
The tonic chord is A major or A 5th. The scale also fits A7♭9 or A7♯9 sounds because of the ♭6 and ♭7. Avoid plain minor chords unless you want the major third to clash.
How does the reentrant G string affect the scale?
The high G string changes the order of notes in Box 1. The low A on string 4, fret 2 is actually the highest-sounding string. This makes the scale sound brighter than a linear tuning.
Is A aeolian dominant the same as A mixolydian?
The displayed pattern preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula. The ♭6 is the defining colour. Both share the major third and minor seventh.