Explore scales · Bass
B phrygian scale on bass guitar
B Phrygian uses B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 2 for a low position.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the B phrygian scale on bass?
B phrygian 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) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B phrygian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 12 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, 5 | B, C, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4, 5 | A, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
B phrygian 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 7. 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) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
B phrygian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 10–12
B phrygian in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 12, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. 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) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
B Phrygian lowers the second degree of B natural minor by a half step. The ♭2 interval creates a dark, tense color. Compare it with B natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use B Phrygian over B minor and B 5th chords. The ♭2 adds a Spanish or metal flavor. It works in flamenco, metal, and dark ambient styles. Try it over B minor or B 5th.
Which position to practise
Practice Box 1 first. It places the root on string 3, fret 2, covering frets 0–3 for a low position.
Common questions
What notes are in B Phrygian?
B Phrygian contains B, C, D, E, F♯, G, and A. The C is the flat second that defines the mode. All other notes match B natural minor.
Which chords fit B Phrygian?
B minor and B 5th chords fit best. The scale also works over progressions using C major, D major, E minor, F♯ diminished, G major, and A minor. The flat second adds tension over the tonic.
What is the difference between B Phrygian and B natural minor?
B Phrygian has a C instead of C♯. This single half-step change creates the Phrygian sound. The rest of the notes are identical.