Explore scales · Ukulele
D phrygian dominant scale on ukulele
D phrygian dominant uses D, E♭, F♯, G, A, B♭, C. Box 1 has roots 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 phrygian dominant scale on ukulele?
D phrygian 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, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
D phrygian 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, 3 | D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
D phrygian dominant in box 3 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, 8 | D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 6, 7, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 9 | E♭, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
D phrygian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Build it from D phrygian by raising F to F♯. The half-step D–E♭ and augmented second E♭–F♯ create the signature sound. See the intervals in D phrygian. The step pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W.
When to use it
Works over D major or D 5th chords in Spanish and rock styles. The ♭2 adds a dark colour. Use it with D major and D 5th progressions. It also suits A minor keys.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. The root on string 3, fret 2 is low and the high root on string 1, fret 5 is easy to reach.
Common questions
Which notes are in D phrygian dominant?
D, E♭, F♯, G, A, B♭, and C. It has a major third and flat second, sixth, and seventh.
What chords fit this scale?
D major and D 5th are the tonic chords. You can also use G minor and C minor for progressions.
How does it differ from D phrygian?
The third is F♯ instead of F. That makes the tonic chord major while keeping the flat second.
Where is the root on the ukulele?
The root D is on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 5 in Box 1. Box 2 adds string 4, fret 7.