Explore scales · Ukulele
A phrygian dominant scale on ukulele
A phrygian dominant uses A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, G. Box 1 puts the root on string 4, fret 2 for quick low-position runs.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A phrygian dominant scale on ukulele?
A phrygian 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, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
A phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 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) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A phrygian 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, 10 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A phrygian 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, 10 | 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 phrygian to C♯ and you get the major tonic with a flat second, sixth, and seventh. The half-step from A to B♭ and the augmented second to C♯ define the sound. Compare the intervals with A phrygian to hear the change. The pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W.
When to use it
Use it over A major or A 5th chords in flamenco, klezmer, and metal. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension against the major third. Try it over A major and A 5th progressions. It fits dominant function in D minor keys.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 4, fret 2 keeps the hand low and sets up the Box 2 shift.
Common questions
Which notes are in A phrygian dominant?
A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, and G. The scale has a major third and a flat second, sixth, and seventh.
What chords work with this scale?
A major and A 5th are the primary chords. You can also use B♭ major, D minor, and G minor for progressions.
How is it different from A phrygian?
The third is raised from C to C♯. That changes the tonic chord from minor to major while keeping the flat second.
Where do I start on the ukulele?
Start on string 4, fret 2 for the root A. Box 1 covers frets 1–5 and includes a second root on string 2, fret 5.