Explore scales · Ukulele
G phrygian dominant scale on ukulele
G phrygian dominant uses G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, F. Box 1 has a root on string 2, fret 3.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the G phrygian dominant scale on ukulele?
G phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 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, 1 | G, A♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
G phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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) | 4, 5 | B, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G phrygian 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, 8 | F, G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G phrygian 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, 8 | G, A♭ |
| 2 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of G phrygian from B♭ to B. The half-step G–A♭ and augmented second A♭–B define the sound. Compare with G phrygian to hear the change. The pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W.
When to use it
Use it over G major or G 5th chords in flamenco and Middle Eastern styles. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension. Try it over G major and G 5th progressions. It fits D minor keys.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 1. The root on string 2, fret 3 is high and the low root on string 3, fret 7 is in Box 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in G phrygian dominant?
G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, and F. It has a major third and flat second, sixth, and seventh.
What chords work with this scale?
G major and G 5th are the primary chords. You can also use C minor and F minor for progressions.
How is it different from G phrygian?
The third is raised from B♭ to B. That changes the tonic chord from minor to major.
Where do I start on the ukulele?
Start on string 2, fret 3 for the root G. Box 1 covers frets 1–5 with no other root in that position.