Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Phrygian Scale in Open A Tuning

Ab Phrygian Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same ab phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. 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: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Phrygian Scale: string 6 Fb (b6), string 5 Bbb (b2), string 4 Fb (b6), string 3 Bbb (b2), string 2 Db (4), 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 6Fbb6

String 5Bbbb2

String 4Fbb6

String 3Bbbb2

String 2Db4

String 1Fbb6

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 4

String 3Fret 11

String 2Fret 7

String 1Fret 4

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 4. On the highest E string, the first Ab is at fret 4.

OpenFbb6

Fret 2Gbb7

Fret 4Ab1

Fret 5Bbbb2

Fret 7Cbb3

Fret 9Db4

Fret 11Eb5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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