Explore scales · Ukulele
C phrygian dominant scale on ukulele
C phrygian dominant uses C, D♭, E, F, G, A♭, B♭. Box 1 has roots 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 phrygian dominant scale on ukulele?
C 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 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, 1 | C, D♭ |
| 2 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C phrygian dominant in box 2 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, 6 | C, D♭ |
| 3 (C) | 4, 5, 7 | E, F, G |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 4, 7 | D♭, E |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
C phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 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) | 9, 10 | E, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 8, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 9 | C, D♭ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 8, 10 | E, F, G |
Why it sounds like that
Build it from C phrygian by raising E♭ to E. The half-step C–D♭ and augmented second D♭–E create the signature sound. See the intervals in C phrygian. The step pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W.
When to use it
Works over C major or C 5th chords in Spanish and rock styles. The ♭2 adds a dark colour. Use it with C major and C 5th progressions. It also suits G minor keys.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root on string 4, fret 5 is central and the high root on string 1, fret 3 is easy to reach.
Common questions
Which notes are in C phrygian dominant?
C, D♭, E, F, G, A♭, and B♭. It has a major third and flat second, sixth, and seventh.
What chords fit this scale?
C major and C 5th are the tonic chords. You can also use F minor and B♭ minor for progressions.
How does it differ from C phrygian?
The third is E instead of E♭. That makes the tonic chord major while keeping the flat second.
Where is the root on the ukulele?
The root C is on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3 in Box 1. Box 2 adds string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 3.