Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Phrygian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning

Bb Phrygian Scale in 8-String Drop E Tuning shows the same bb phrygian scale pitch classes across 8 strings tuned E B E A D G B E. The seventh and eighth strings extend the pattern into the lower register for wider-range riffs and chord voicings.

Scale 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
Tuning: E B E A D G B E
Strings: 8
Open pitch range: E1 to E4
24-fret range: E1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

2 of the 8 open strings belong to Bb Phrygian Scale: string 7 Cb (b2) and string 2 Cb (b2). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 7Cbb2

String 2Cbb2

First root on each string

String 8Fret 6

String 7Fret 11

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 1

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 6

Low-string pattern

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

Fret 1F5

Fret 2Gbb6

Fret 4Abb7

Fret 6Bb1

Fret 7Cbb2

Fret 9Dbb3

Fret 11Eb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Phrygian Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Cb on open string 7 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 8 through 1 at frets 6, 11, 6, 1, 8, 3, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.