Explore scales · Ukulele
B♭ aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
B♭ aeolian dominant is B♭, C, D, E♭, F, G♭, A♭. Box 1 places the root on both outer strings for a compact start.
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 0 to fret 3, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the C string at fret 0 up to C on the A string at fret 3. The root falls on the G string at fret 3 and the A string at fret 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3 | A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2 | F, G♭ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B♭ aeolian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the C string at fret 2 up to D on the A string at fret 5. The root falls on the G string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | G♭, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
B♭ aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | F, G♭, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
B♭ aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the C string at fret 8 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | E♭, F, G♭ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10 | A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | F, G♭, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
Start with B♭ natural minor and raise the third from D♭ to D. The result keeps the minor sixth G♭ and minor seventh A♭, giving a major tonic with a dark upper extension. See the difference in B♭ natural minor.
When to use it
Play it over B♭ major or B♭ 5th in funk and fusion. The ♭6 and ♭7 let you outline B♭ major with a bluesy edge. Use it on a B♭7♭9 vamp.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root on string 4, fret 3 and string 1, fret 1 frames the position across the fretboard.
Common questions
What is the alternate name for B♭ aeolian dominant?
B♭ aeolian dominant is sometimes called Adonai Malakh. The name comes from Jewish liturgical music. The scale is identical in notes and intervals. It is also spelled A♯ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Can I use B♭ aeolian dominant over a minor chord?
No, the major third D will clash with a minor third D♭. Use it over major or dominant chords. The ♭6 and ♭7 add tension.
Why does the scale have G♭ and A♭?
Those are the minor sixth and minor seventh intervals. They give the scale its aeolian flavour. The major third is what makes it dominant.