Explore scales · Ukulele
B aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
B aeolian dominant runs B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯, G, A. Box 1 starts on the fourth string and reaches the first-string root.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the B aeolian dominant scale on ukulele?
B 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 4 and the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3, 4 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B aeolian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the C string at fret 3 up to D♯ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
B aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8, 9 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
B aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11, 12 | C♯, D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of B natural minor from D to D♯ and you get B aeolian dominant. The scale keeps the minor sixth G and minor seventh A, so the major third contrasts with a lowered upper tetrachord. Compare with B natural minor to hear the raised third.
When to use it
Use it over B major or B 5th in rock and metal. The ♭6 and ♭7 work over B major for a Phrygian-dominant feel. Try it on a B–G–A progression.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the low B on string 4, fret 4 and high B on string 1, fret 2 give a clear octave span.
Common questions
Which chords harmonize with B aeolian dominant?
The tonic is B major or B 5th. The scale also fits B7♭9 or B7♯9. Avoid minor chords unless you want a deliberate clash.
How does the reentrant tuning affect Box 1?
The high G string means the fourth string sounds higher than the third. The low B on string 4, fret 4 is actually a high B. This changes the voice leading.
Is B aeolian dominant the same as B harmonic minor?
The displayed pattern preserves only the supplied notes and interval formula. The lowered seventh is essential. Both share the major third and minor sixth.