Explore scales · Ukulele
F phrygian dominant scale on ukulele
F phrygian dominant uses F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, E♭. Box 1 has roots on string 3, fret 5 and string 2, fret 1.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the F phrygian dominant scale on ukulele?
F phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 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 1.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 1, 3 | C, D♭, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 2 | F, G♭ |
| 1 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
F phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the C string at fret 3 up to E♭ on the A string at fret 6. The root falls on the C string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 3, 5, 6 | B♭, C, D♭ |
| 3 (C) | 3, 5, 6 | E♭, F, G♭ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 4, 6 | C, D♭, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F on the C string at fret 5 up to F on the A string at fret 8. The root falls on the C string at fret 5 and the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 6, 8 | C, D♭, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 6 | F, G♭ |
| 2 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 6, 8 | E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
F phrygian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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 G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 11 | F, G♭ |
| 3 (C) | 9, 10, 12 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 9, 11 | D♭, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 9, 12 | G♭, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of F phrygian from A♭ to A. The half-step F–G♭ and augmented second G♭–A define the sound. Compare with F phrygian to hear the change. The pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W.
When to use it
Use it over F major or F 5th chords in flamenco and fusion. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension. Try it over F major and F 5th progressions. It fits C minor keys.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root on string 3, fret 5 is central and the high root on string 2, fret 1 is close.
Common questions
Which notes are in F phrygian dominant?
F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, and E♭. It has a major third and flat second, sixth, and seventh.
What chords work with this scale?
F major and F 5th are the primary chords. You can also use B♭ minor and E♭ minor for progressions.
How is it different from F phrygian?
The third is raised from A♭ to A. That changes the tonic chord from minor to major.
Where do I start on the ukulele?
Start on string 3, fret 5 for the root F. Box 1 covers frets 1–5 with a second root on string 2, fret 1.