Tuning-specific scale diagram

A Phrygian Scale in B Standard Tuning

A Phrygian Scale in B Standard Tuning shows the same a 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: 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 F# B
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: B1 to B3
24-fret range: B1 to B5

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to A Phrygian Scale: string 5 E (5), string 4 A (1), and string 3 D (4). A roots occur on open string 4.

String 5E5

String 4A1

String 3D4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 5

String 4Open

String 3Fret 7

String 2Fret 3

String 1Fret 10

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 B string, the first A is at fret 10.

Fret 1Cb3

Fret 3D4

Fret 5E5

Fret 6Fb6

Fret 8Gb7

Fret 10A1

Fret 11Bbb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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.
Build a phrase that lets E on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest A root and two other scale tones.
Connect the A root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 5, 0, 7, 3, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.