Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Phrygian Scale in Open E Tuning

Bb Phrygian Scale in Open E Tuning shows the same bb phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E B E G# B E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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 G# B E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Phrygian Scale: string 5 Cb (b2), string 3 Ab (b7), 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 5Cbb2

String 3Abb7

String 2Cbb2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 6

String 5Fret 11

String 4Fret 6

String 3Fret 2

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 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 6, 11, 6, 2, 11, and 6, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.