Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Phrygian Scale in Open G Tuning

Ab Phrygian Scale in Open G Tuning shows the same ab phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D G D G B D. 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
D G D G B D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 2Cbb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6
String 5Fret 1
String 4Fret 6
String 3Fret 1
String 2Fret 9
String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the Ab root at fret 6. On the highest D string, the first Ab is at fret 6.

Fret 1Eb5
Fret 2Fbb6
Fret 4Gbb7
Fret 6Ab1
Fret 7Bbbb2
Fret 9Cbb3
Fret 11Db4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

Ab Phrygian Scale in Open G Tuning fretboard diagram
Ab Phrygian Scale in Open G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D G D G B D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with Ab Phrygian Scale and open g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings