Guitar scale
Ab Phrygian Guitar Scale
Ab Phrygian is a seven-note scale built from Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, and Gb. It is the 3rd relative mode of E major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb
- Formula
- 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
- Parent scale
- E major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representAb root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Ab root notes and connect the remaining phrygian tones across standard tuning.
Sound and defining tones
Ab Phrygian is defined by the close pull between the root and b2 (Bbb) and b3 (Cb). The flat second creates immediate tension, while the flat third confirms the minor quality.
- Characteristic tones
- b2Bbbb3Cb
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Phrygian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
Use Ab Phrygian over a minor pedal or riff centered on Ab when the flat second is present in the harmony. Avoid forcing it over ordinary natural-minor progressions whose second degree is natural.
- Use Ab Phrygian over dark Ab minor vamps when the flat 2 is part of the sound.
- It fits heavier rock, metal, Spanish-flavored ideas, and modal minor progressions.
Practice this scale on guitar
- Play Ab Phrygian from one Ab root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
- Repeat a one-fret root-to-flat-second figure around several Ab positions, then connect it to b2 (Bbb) and b3 (Cb).
- Create a short Ab pedal-tone riff and answer it with phrases that feature the flat second before resolving to the root.