Explore scales · Bass
D phrygian dominant scale on bass guitar
D phrygian dominant contains D, E♭, F♯, G, A, B♭, C. Box 2 places the root on string 3, fret 5 and string 1, fret 7.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the D phrygian dominant scale on bass?
D phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 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 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3, 5 | A, B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
D phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 5 and the G 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, 6 | D, E♭ |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7, 8 | C, D, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
D phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10 | F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 11 | E♭, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
D phrygian dominant in box 4 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 E string at fret 10 and the D string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12, 13 | G, A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
D phrygian dominant is D phrygian with the third raised from F to F♯. The interval pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W. See D phrygian for the natural third.
When to use it
D phrygian dominant works over D major or D 5th in flamenco and metal. The ♭2 adds a dark colour to dominant lines. Try it on D major or D 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 2. It covers frets 5–8 and keeps the root on string 3, fret 5, ready for the high D on string 1.
Common questions
Which notes are in D phrygian dominant?
The notes are D, E♭, F♯, G, A, B♭, and C. The scale has a major third and a minor second. It is the fifth mode of G harmonic minor.
What chords fit D phrygian dominant?
D major and D 5th are the primary chords. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension over these chords. Use the scale for dominant function in D minor progressions.
How does D phrygian dominant differ from D phrygian?
D phrygian dominant raises the third from F to F♯. This creates a major third instead of a minor third. The rest of the notes stay the same.