Explore scales · Bass
A phrygian dominant scale on bass guitar
A phrygian dominant uses A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, G. Box 1 puts the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A phrygian dominant scale on bass?
A phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 1 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 6 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
A phrygian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10, 12 | E, F, G |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of A phrygian to C♯ and you get the dominant sound. The scale follows H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W from A. Compare it with A phrygian to hear the major third against the minor second.
When to use it
Use it over A major or A 5th for a Spanish flavour. The ♭2 and ♭6 suit metal and flamenco lines. Try it on A major or A 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root under your first finger at fret 5 and reaches the high A at fret 2 on string 1.
Common questions
Which notes are in A phrygian dominant?
The notes are A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, and G. The scale has a major third and a minor second. It is the fifth mode of D harmonic minor.
What chords fit A phrygian dominant?
A major and A 5th are the primary chords. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension over these chords. Use the scale for dominant function in A minor progressions.
How does A phrygian dominant differ from A phrygian?
A phrygian dominant raises the third from C to C♯. This creates a major third instead of a minor third. The rest of the notes stay the same.