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