Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Phrygian Scale in Open A Tuning

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

Scale notes: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: G major
Tuning: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to B Phrygian Scale: string 6 E (4), string 5 A (b7), string 4 E (4), string 3 A (b7), and string 1 E (4). None of those open-string tones is the B root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6E4

String 5Ab7

String 4E4

String 3Ab7

String 1E4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 7

String 5Fret 2

String 4Fret 7

String 3Fret 2

String 2Fret 10

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the B root at fret 7. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

OpenE4

Fret 2F#5

Fret 3Gb6

Fret 5Ab7

Fret 7B1

Fret 8Cb2

Fret 10Db3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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