Explore scales · Ukulele
G phrygian scale on ukulele
G Phrygian uses G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F. The half-step from G to A♭ gives the scale a dark, Spanish-flavored minor sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the G phrygian scale on ukulele?
G phrygian 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, 1, 3 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (C) | 0, 2, 3 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 1 (A) | 1, 3 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
G phrygian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
| 3 (C) | 2, 3, 5 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 1 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G phrygian 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) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 1 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
G phrygian 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, 10 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 1 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
G phrygian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the C string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the A string at fret 11. 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) | 10, 12 | B♭, C |
| 2 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 1 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
G Phrygian lowers the second degree of G natural minor. Compare G natural minor to hear the A♭ against A. The scale is built H, W, W, W, H, W, W from G. The ♭2 creates the characteristic Phrygian tension.
When to use it
Use G Phrygian over G minor and G 5th chords. The ♭2 works over A♭ major in metal and flamenco styles. Try it over D minor 7th flat 5th for a tense dominant sound.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the second string and covers frets 0–3, making the half-step from G to A♭ easy to hear.
Common questions
Which notes are in G Phrygian?
G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F. The A♭ is the flat second that defines the Phrygian sound.
What chords fit G Phrygian?
G minor and G 5th are the primary chords. A♭ major and D minor 7th flat 5th also work well.
How does G Phrygian differ from G natural minor?
G Phrygian has an A♭ instead of A. This single change creates the characteristic half-step between the first two notes.