Tuning-specific scale diagram
Ab Phrygian Scale in B Standard Tuning
Ab Phrygian Scale in B Standard Tuning shows the same ab phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned B E A D F# B. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.
- 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 F# B
- Strings
- 6
- Open pitch range
- B1 to B3
- 24-fret range
- B1 to B5
Open strings and root positions
5 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Phrygian Scale: string 6 Cb (b3), string 5 Fb (b6), string 4 Bbb (b2), string 2 Gb (b7), and string 1 Cb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the Ab root, so the root must be fretted on every string.
First root on each string
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 B string, the first Ab is at fret 9.
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 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
- Connect the Ab root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.
Fretboard diagram
Open this diagram in the fretboard tool
Start with Ab Phrygian Scale and b standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboard