Explore scales · Ukulele
G aeolian dominant scale on ukulele
G aeolian dominant is G, A, B, C, D, E♭, F. The ukulele grip places the root on string 2, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the G aeolian dominant scale on ukulele?
G aeolian 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 G string at fret 0 and the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
G aeolian 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 E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G aeolian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 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 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (C) | 5, 7 | F, G |
| 2 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G aeolian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the C string at fret 7 up to G on the A string at fret 10. The root falls on the C string at fret 7 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (C) | 7, 9 | G, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
G aeolian dominant in box 5 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 12 and the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
| 3 (C) | 9, 11, 12 | A, B, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G aeolian dominant raises the third of G natural minor from B♭ to B, creating a major third over a minor seventh. The scale contains a tritone between A and E♭, but no leading tone. Compare G natural minor for the ♭3 version.
When to use it
Play G aeolian dominant over G major or G 5th chords in a dominant context. It fits the key of B♭ major and the relative E minor. The ♭6 adds a dark, exotic color.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 2, fret 3, covering frets 0–3. This position anchors the scale in the lower register and sets up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in the G aeolian dominant scale?
G aeolian dominant contains G, A, B, C, D, E♭, and F. The scale degrees are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. It is a major scale with a lowered sixth and seventh.
Which chords does G aeolian dominant fit?
G aeolian dominant fits G major and G 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 G aeolian dominant and G natural minor?
G aeolian dominant has a major third (B) while G natural minor has a minor third (B♭). Both scales share the same ♭6 and ♭7. The raised third gives the dominant quality.