Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning

D Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning shows the same d phrygian scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned B E A D G B E. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C
Formula
1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
Bb major
Tuning
B E A D G B E
Strings
7
Open pitch range
B1 to E4
24-fret range
B1 to E6

Open strings and root positions

3 of the 7 open strings belong to D Phrygian Scale: string 5 A (5), string 4 D (1), and string 3 G (4). D roots occur on open string 4.

String 5A5
String 4D1
String 3G4

First root on each string

String 7Fret 3
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, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the D root at fret 3. On the highest E string, the first D is at fret 10.

Fret 1Cb7
Fret 3D1
Fret 4Ebb2
Fret 6Fb3
Fret 8G4
Fret 10A5
Fret 11Bbb6

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play D Phrygian Scale on the low B string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets A on open string 5 ring, then connect it to the nearest D root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the D root positions on strings 7 through 1 at frets 3, 10, 5, 0, 7, 3, and 10, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

D Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
D Phrygian Scale in 7-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing B E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with D Phrygian Scale and 7-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings