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B phrygian dominant scale on bass guitar
B phrygian dominant uses B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, A. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 and string 1, fret 4.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the B phrygian dominant scale on bass?
B phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
B phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D♯ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 6, 7 | D♯, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 8 | C, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B phrygian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
B phrygian dominant in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the A string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 12, 14 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12, 14 | F♯, G, A |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of B phrygian from D to D♯ to form this scale. The steps are H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W. Compare with B phrygian to hear the major third.
When to use it
Use it over B major or B 5th for a Spanish or Middle Eastern feel. The ♭2 and ♭6 suit dominant lines. Try it on B major or B 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root under your first finger at fret 2 on string 3 and reaches the high B at fret 4 on string 1.
Common questions
Which notes are in B phrygian dominant?
The notes are B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, and A. The scale has a major third and a minor second. It is the fifth mode of E harmonic minor.
What chords fit B phrygian dominant?
B major and B 5th are the primary chords. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension over these chords. Use the scale for dominant function in B minor progressions.
How does B phrygian dominant differ from B phrygian?
B phrygian dominant raises the third from D to D♯. This creates a major third instead of a minor third. The rest of the notes stay the same.