Explore scales · Bass
E phrygian dominant scale on bass guitar
E phrygian dominant contains E, F, G♯, A, B, C, D. Box 2 places the root on string 3, fret 7 and string 1, fret 9.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E phrygian dominant scale on bass?
E 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 E string at fret 0 and the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
E phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G 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, 8 | E, F |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
E phrygian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the E 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) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 13 | F, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
E phrygian dominant is E phrygian with the third raised from G to G♯. The interval pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W. See E phrygian for the natural third.
When to use it
E phrygian dominant works over E major or E 5th in flamenco and rock. The ♭2 adds a dark colour to dominant lines. Try it on E major or E 5th.
Which position to practise
Start with Box 2. It covers frets 4–7 and keeps the root on string 3, fret 7, ready for the high E on string 1.
Common questions
Which notes are in E phrygian dominant?
The notes are E, F, G♯, A, B, C, and D. The scale has a major third and a minor second. It is the fifth mode of A harmonic minor.
What chords fit E phrygian dominant?
E major and E 5th are the primary chords. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension over these chords. Use the scale for dominant function in E minor progressions.
How does E phrygian dominant differ from E phrygian?
E phrygian dominant raises the third from G to G♯. This creates a major third instead of a minor third. The rest of the notes stay the same.