Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Phrygian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning

F Phrygian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning shows the same f phrygian scale pitch classes across 8 strings tuned F# B E A D G B E. The seventh and eighth strings extend the pattern into the lower register for wider-range riffs and chord voicings.

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

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 8 open strings belong to F Phrygian Scale: string 8 Gb (b2). None of those open-string tones is the F root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 8Gbb2

First root on each string

String 8Fret 11
String 7Fret 6
String 6Fret 1
String 5Fret 8
String 4Fret 3
String 3Fret 10
String 2Fret 6
String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest F# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the F root at fret 11. On the highest E string, the first F is at fret 1.

OpenGbb2
Fret 2Abb3
Fret 4Bb4
Fret 6C5
Fret 7Dbb6
Fret 9Ebb7
Fret 11F1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

  1. Play F Phrygian Scale on the low F# string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
  2. Build a phrase that lets Gb on open string 8 ring, then connect it to the nearest F root and two other scale tones.
  3. Connect the F root positions on strings 8 through 1 at frets 11, 6, 1, 8, 3, 10, 6, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.

Fretboard diagram

F Phrygian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning fretboard diagram
F Phrygian Scale in 8-String Standard Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing F# B E A D G B E.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with F Phrygian Scale and 8-string standard tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings