G# Phrygian Ukulele Scale
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagram
G# Phrygian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Ukulele, its notes are G#, A, B, C#, D#, E, F#. It has a strong Spanish or ethnic flavor, making it the definitive sound of Flamenco. In modern contexts, it is widely used in heavy metal to create an aggressive, brooding atmosphere. The diatonic chords of G# Phrygian are G#m7, AMaj7, B7, C#m7, D#m7b5, EMaj7, F#m7. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern. Notable players include Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia. Use over sus(b9), m7 chords in Phrygian contexts. Often played over a droning root note or power chord. The b2 → 1 resolution is the mode's signature move.
Notes: G#, A, B, C#, D#, E, F#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
G♯m7 — AMaj7 — B7 — C♯m7 — D♯m7♭5 — EMaj7 — F♯m7
How to Play G# Phrygian on Ukulele
On ukulele, find G# on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.
The G# Phrygian scale contains 4 sharps (G#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is B major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the G# Phrygian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (G#-B, A-C#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the G# Phrygian scale: G#m7 - C#m7 - D#m7b5 - G#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or G#m7 - AMaj7 - C#m7 - D#m7b5 for a more stepwise movement.
Ukulele Tips
On ukulele, the G# Phrygian scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound.
The G# Phrygian scale contains 7 notes (G#, A, B, C#, D#, E, F#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Phrygian
The G# Phrygian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore G# Phrygian Further
- Harmonize the G# Phrygian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Phrygian on Guitar
- G# Phrygian on Bass
- G# Phrygian on Piano