Guitar scale
Bb Phrygian Guitar Scale
Bb Phrygian is a seven-note scale built from Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb, and Ab. It is the 3rd relative mode of Gb major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab
- Formula
- 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
- Parent scale
- Gb major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representBb root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Bb root notes and connect the remaining phrygian tones across standard tuning.
Sound and defining tones
Bb Phrygian is defined by the close pull between the root and b2 (Cb) and b3 (Db). The flat second creates immediate tension, while the flat third confirms the minor quality.
- Characteristic tones
- b2Cbb3Db
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with Bb Phrygian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
Use Bb Phrygian over a minor pedal or riff centered on Bb when the flat second is present in the harmony. Avoid forcing it over ordinary natural-minor progressions whose second degree is natural.
- Use Bb Phrygian over dark Bb minor vamps when the flat 2 is part of the sound.
- It fits heavier rock, metal, Spanish-flavored ideas, and modal minor progressions.
Practice this scale on guitar
- Play Bb Phrygian from one Bb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
- Repeat a one-fret root-to-flat-second figure around several Bb positions, then connect it to b2 (Cb) and b3 (Db).
- Create a short Bb pedal-tone riff and answer it with phrases that feature the flat second before resolving to the root.