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