Tuning-specific scale diagram

D Phrygian Scale in DADGAD Tuning

D Phrygian Scale in DADGAD Tuning shows the same d phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D G A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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
D A D G A D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to D Phrygian Scale: string 6 D (1), string 5 A (5), string 4 D (1), string 3 G (4), string 2 A (5), and string 1 D (1). D roots occur on open strings 6, 4, and 1.

String 6D1
String 5A5
String 4D1
String 3G4
String 2A5
String 1D1

First root on each string

String 6Open
String 5Fret 5
String 4Open
String 3Fret 7
String 2Fret 5
String 1Open

Low-string pattern

On the lowest D string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the D root at fret 0. On the highest D string, the first D is at fret 0.

OpenD1
Fret 1Ebb2
Fret 3Fb3
Fret 5G4
Fret 7A5
Fret 8Bbb6
Fret 10Cb7

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

D Phrygian Scale in DADGAD Tuning fretboard diagram
D Phrygian Scale in DADGAD Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D G A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with D Phrygian Scale and dadgad tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings