Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Phrygian Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning

Ab Phrygian Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning shows the same ab phrygian scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned G D G C F A D. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale 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
Tuning: G D G C F A D
Strings: 7
Open pitch range: G1 to D4
24-fret range: G1 to D6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 7 open strings belong to Ab Phrygian Scale: string 2 Bbb (b2). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Bbbb2

First root on each string

String 7Fret 1

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest G string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 1. On the highest D string, the first Ab is at fret 6.

Fret 1Ab1

Fret 2Bbbb2

Fret 4Cbb3

Fret 6Db4

Fret 8Eb5

Fret 9Fbb6

Fret 11Gbb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Phrygian Scale on the low G string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Bbb on open string 2 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Ab root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 1, 6, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.