Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
F♯ aeolian dominant is F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D, E. The ukulele grip places the root on string 3, fret 6 and string 2, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the F♯ aeolian dominant scale on ukulele?
F♯ aeolian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 11 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 E string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 3, 4 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 1, 2, 4 | A♯, B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
F♯ aeolian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 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 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 6, 7 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 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 C string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8 | F♯, G♯ |
| 2 (E) | 6, 7, 9 | A♯, B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
F♯ aeolian 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 11 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 10, 11 | G♯, A♯, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ aeolian dominant raises the third of F♯ natural minor from A to A♯, creating a major third over a minor seventh. The scale contains a tritone between G♯ and D, but no leading tone. Compare F♯ natural minor for the ♭3 version.
When to use it
Play F♯ aeolian dominant over F♯ major or F♯ 5th chords in a dominant context. It fits the key of A major and the relative D♯ minor. The ♭6 adds a dark, exotic color.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 3, fret 6 and string 2, fret 2, covering frets 1–4. This position anchors the scale in the lower register and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in the F♯ aeolian dominant scale?
F♯ aeolian dominant contains F♯, G♯, A♯, B, C♯, D, and E. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. It is a major scale with a lowered sixth and seventh. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords does F♯ aeolian dominant fit?
F♯ aeolian dominant fits F♯ major and F♯ 5th chords. It also works over A♭ minor 7th flat 5th and B♭ 7th flat 5th. The scale implies a dominant seventh sound with an altered fifth.
What is the difference between F♯ aeolian dominant and F♯ natural minor?
F♯ aeolian dominant has a major third (A♯) while F♯ natural minor has a minor third (A). Both scales share the same ♭6 and ♭7. The raised third gives the dominant quality.