Explore scales · Ukulele
F♯ phrygian scale on ukulele
F♯ Phrygian uses F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D, E. The flat second G sits one fret above the root, giving a tight, exotic pull.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the F♯ phrygian scale on ukulele?
F♯ phrygian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 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) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
F♯ phrygian 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) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
F♯ phrygian 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, 9 | F♯, G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
F♯ phrygian in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 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 11 and the A string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11 | A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ Phrygian lowers the second degree of F♯ natural minor. Compare F♯ natural minor to hear the G against G♯. The scale is built H, W, W, W, H, W, W from F♯. The ♭2 creates the characteristic Phrygian tension.
When to use it
Use F♯ Phrygian over F♯ minor and F♯ 5th chords. The ♭2 works over G major in metal and flamenco styles. Try it over C♯ minor 7th flat 5th for a tense dominant sound.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the third string and covers frets 1–4, making the half-step from F♯ to G easy to hear.
Common questions
Which notes are in F♯ Phrygian?
F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D, E. The G is the flat second that defines the Phrygian sound. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What chords fit F♯ Phrygian?
F♯ minor and F♯ 5th are the primary chords. G major and C♯ minor 7th flat 5th also work well.
How does F♯ Phrygian differ from F♯ natural minor?
F♯ Phrygian has a G instead of G♯. This single change creates the characteristic half-step between the first two notes.