Explore scales · Ukulele
C aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
C aeolian dominant is C, D, E, F, G, A♭, B♭. The ukulele grip puts the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the C aeolian dominant scale on ukulele?
C aeolian 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 C string at fret 0 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C 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 5 and the A string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4, 5 | D, E, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C aeolian dominant in box 4 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 E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
C aeolian dominant in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the C string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 10, 12 | B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
C aeolian dominant raises the third of C natural minor from E♭ to E, creating a major third over a minor seventh. The scale contains a tritone between D and A♭, but no leading tone. Compare C natural minor for the ♭3 version.
When to use it
Play C aeolian dominant over C major or C 5th chords in a dominant context. It fits the key of E♭ major and the relative A minor. The ♭6 adds a dark, exotic color.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3, covering frets 0–3. This position anchors the scale in the lower register and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in the C aeolian dominant scale?
C aeolian dominant contains C, D, E, F, G, A♭, and B♭. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. It is a major scale with a lowered sixth and seventh.
Which chords does C aeolian dominant fit?
C aeolian dominant fits C major and C 5th chords. It also works over D minor 7th flat 5th and E 7th flat 5th. The scale implies a dominant seventh sound with an altered fifth.
What is the difference between C aeolian dominant and C natural minor?
C aeolian dominant has a major third (E) while C natural minor has a minor third (E♭). Both scales share the same ♭6 and ♭7. The raised third gives the dominant quality.