Explore scales · Ukulele
B phrygian dominant scale on ukulele
B phrygian dominant uses B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, A. Box 1 has roots on string 4, fret 4 and string 1, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the B phrygian dominant scale on ukulele?
B phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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 A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 3 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
B phrygian 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, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 3, 4, 6 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
B phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 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) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 7, 9 | D♯, E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
B phrygian 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, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 11, 12 | D♯, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of B phrygian from D to D♯. The half-step B–C and augmented second C–D♯ are the defining intervals. Compare with B phrygian to hear the change. The pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W.
When to use it
Use it over B major or B 5th chords in flamenco and fusion. The ♭2 and ♭6 give a tense sound. Try it over B major and B 5th progressions. It fits F♯ minor keys.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. The root on string 4, fret 4 keeps the hand in the low frets and the high root on string 1, fret 2 is close.
Common questions
Which notes are in B phrygian dominant?
B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, and A. It has a major third and flat second, sixth, and seventh.
What chords work with this scale?
B major and B 5th are the primary chords. You can also use E minor and A minor for progressions.
How is it different from B phrygian?
The third is raised from D to D♯. That changes the tonic chord from minor to major.
Where do I start on the ukulele?
Start on string 4, fret 4 for the root B. Box 1 covers frets 2–6 with a second root on string 1, fret 2.