Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning

Ab Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same ab phrygian scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned B E A D G B E. 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: B E A D G B E
Strings: 7
Open pitch range: B1 to E4
24-fret range: B1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 7 open strings belong to Ab Phrygian Scale: string 7 Cb (b3), string 6 Fb (b6), string 5 Bbb (b2), string 2 Cb (b3), and string 1 Fb (b6). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 7Cbb3

String 6Fbb6

String 5Bbbb2

String 2Cbb3

String 1Fbb6

First root on each string

String 7Fret 9

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 1

String 2Fret 9

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the Ab root at fret 9. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

OpenCbb3

Fret 2Db4

Fret 4Eb5

Fret 5Fbb6

Fret 7Gbb7

Fret 9Ab1

Fret 10Bbbb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Phrygian Scale on the low B string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Cb on open string 7 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 9, 4, 11, 6, 1, 9, and 4, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.