Explore scales · Bass
A phrygian scale on bass guitar
A Phrygian uses A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G. Box 1 keeps the root on string 4, fret 5 for a compact low shape.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A phrygian scale on bass?
A phrygian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 12 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, 3 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2, 3 | G, A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A phrygian 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 5. 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) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A phrygian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 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, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 8–10
A phrygian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 10, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F on the G string at fret 10. No root falls inside this box; it sits between two of them.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 3 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
A phrygian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 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) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
A Phrygian lowers the second degree of A natural minor by a half step, creating a ♭2 interval. This change gives the scale its characteristic dark, tense color. Compare it with A natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use A Phrygian over A minor and A 5th chords. The ♭2 creates a Spanish or metal flavor. It works in flamenco, metal, and dark ambient styles. Try it over A minor or A 5th.
Which position to practise
Practice Box 1 first. It places the root on string 4, fret 5, covering frets 0–3 for a solid low foundation.
Common questions
What notes are in A Phrygian?
A Phrygian contains A, B♭, C, D, E, F, and G. The B♭ is the flat second that defines the mode. All other notes match A natural minor.
Which chords fit A Phrygian?
A minor and A 5th chords fit best. The scale also works over progressions using B♭ major, C major, D minor, E diminished, F major, and G minor. The flat second adds tension over the tonic.
What is the difference between A Phrygian and A natural minor?
A Phrygian has a B♭ instead of B. This single half-step change creates the Phrygian sound. The rest of the notes are identical.