Explore scales · Ukulele
C♯ aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
C♯ aeolian dominant is C♯, D♯, E♯, F♯, G♯, A, B. The ukulele grip places the root on string 3, fret 1 and string 1, fret 4.
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 1 to fret 4, 10 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 C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 3 | C♯, D♯ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
C♯ 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 6 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6 | B, C♯ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 1 (A) | 4, 6 | C♯, D♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
C♯ aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E♯ on the C string at fret 5 up to E♯ on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 8 | C♯, D♯ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | D♯, E♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C♯ aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 11 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 8, 10, 11 | D♯, E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | C♯, D♯ |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
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 3, fret 1 and string 1, fret 4, covering frets 1–4. 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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does C♯ aeolian dominant fit?
C♯ aeolian dominant fits C♯ major and C♯ 5th chords. It also works over E♭ minor 7th flat 5th and F 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.