Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning

A Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same a 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
A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G
Formula
1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
F 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 A Phrygian Scale: string 6 E (5), string 5 A (1), string 4 D (4), string 3 G (b7), and string 1 E (5). A roots occur on open string 5.

String 6E5
String 5A1
String 4D4
String 3Gb7
String 1E5

First root on each string

String 7Fret 10
String 6Fret 5
String 5Open
String 4Fret 7
String 3Fret 2
String 2Fret 10
String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest B string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the A root at fret 10. On the highest E string, the first A is at fret 5.

Fret 1Cb3
Fret 3D4
Fret 5E5
Fret 6Fb6
Fret 8Gb7
Fret 10A1
Fret 11Bbb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play A Phrygian Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets E on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the A root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 10, 5, 0, 7, 2, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

A Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
A Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with A Phrygian Scale and 7-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings