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 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♯ phrygian dominant scale on ukulele?
C♯ phrygian 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, 2 | C♯, D |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
C♯ phrygian dominant in box 2 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, 7 | C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6, 8 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 5, 8 | D, E♯ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
C♯ phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 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) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 9, 11 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of C♯ phrygian from E to E♯. The half-step C♯–D and augmented second D–E♯ define the sound. Compare with C♯ phrygian to hear the change. The pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W.
When to use it
Use it over C♯ major or C♯ 5th chords in flamenco and metal. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension. Try it over C♯ major and C♯ 5th progressions. It fits G♯ minor keys.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3, fret 1 is low and the high root on string 1, fret 4 is within easy 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. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What chords work with this scale?
C♯ major and C♯ 5th are the primary chords. You can also use F♯ minor and B minor for progressions.
How is it different from C♯ phrygian?
The third is raised from E to E♯. That changes the tonic chord from minor to major.
Where do I start on the ukulele?
Start on string 3, fret 1 for the root C♯. Box 1 covers frets 1–5 with a second root on string 1, fret 4.