Explore scales · Ukulele
D aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
D aeolian dominant is D, E, F♯, G, A, B♭, C. The ukulele grip places the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the D aeolian dominant scale on ukulele?
D aeolian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2 | C, D |
| 2 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D aeolian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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 C string at fret 2 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 4 | D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
D 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 7 and the A string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6, 7 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 6–9
D aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 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 G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
D aeolian dominant in box 5 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 E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
D aeolian dominant raises the third of D natural minor from F to F♯, creating a major third over a minor seventh. The scale contains a tritone between E and B♭, but no leading tone. Compare D natural minor for the ♭3 version.
When to use it
Play D aeolian dominant over D major or D 5th chords in a dominant context. It fits the key of F major and the relative B minor. The ♭6 adds a dark, exotic color.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5, 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 D aeolian dominant scale?
D aeolian dominant contains D, E, F♯, G, A, B♭, and C. 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 D aeolian dominant fit?
D aeolian dominant fits D major and D 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 D aeolian dominant and D natural minor?
D aeolian dominant has a major third (F♯) while D natural minor has a minor third (F). Both scales share the same ♭6 and ♭7. The raised third gives the dominant quality.