Guitar scale
Eb Phrygian Guitar Scale
Eb Phrygian is a seven-note scale built from Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, and Db. It is the 3rd relative mode of B major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.
- Notes
- Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db
- Formula
- 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
- Semitones
- 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
- Parent scale
- B major
How to read this scale
The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representEb root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.
Use the interactive fretboard to locate the Eb root notes and connect the remaining phrygian tones across standard tuning.
Sound and defining tones
Eb Phrygian is defined by the close pull between the root and b2 (Fb) and b3 (Gb). The flat second creates immediate tension, while the flat third confirms the minor quality.
- Characteristic tones
- b2Fbb3Gb
Fretboard diagram
Open this scale in the fretboard tool
Start with Eb Phrygian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.
Open in interactive fretboardCommon chords and contexts
Use Eb Phrygian over a minor pedal or riff centered on Eb when the flat second is present in the harmony. Avoid forcing it over ordinary natural-minor progressions whose second degree is natural.
- Use Eb Phrygian over dark Eb minor vamps when the flat 2 is part of the sound.
- It fits heavier rock, metal, Spanish-flavored ideas, and modal minor progressions.
Practice this scale on guitar
- Play Eb Phrygian from one Eb root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
- Repeat a one-fret root-to-flat-second figure around several Eb positions, then connect it to b2 (Fb) and b3 (Gb).
- Create a short Eb pedal-tone riff and answer it with phrases that feature the flat second before resolving to the root.