Explore scales · Bass
E phrygian scale on bass guitar
E Phrygian uses E, F, G, A, B, C, D. Box 1 anchors the root on string 2, fret 2 for a low position.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E phrygian scale on bass?
E phrygian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–5
E phrygian in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 5, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. 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) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
E phrygian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 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 A 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, 8 | D, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
E phrygian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 12 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, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
E phrygian in box 5 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 12. 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) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Why it sounds like that
E Phrygian lowers the second degree of E natural minor by a half step. The ♭2 interval creates a dark, tense sound. Compare it with E natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use E Phrygian over E minor and E 5th chords. The ♭2 adds a Spanish or metal flavor. It fits flamenco, metal, and dark ambient styles. Try it over E minor or E 5th.
Which position to practise
Practice Box 1 first. It places the root on string 2, fret 2, covering frets 0–3 for a low position.
Common questions
What notes are in E Phrygian?
E Phrygian contains E, F, G, A, B, C, and D. The F is the flat second that defines the mode. All other notes match E natural minor.
Which chords fit E Phrygian?
E minor and E 5th chords fit best. The scale also works over progressions using F major, G major, A minor, B diminished, C major, and D minor. The flat second adds tension over the tonic.
What is the difference between E Phrygian and E natural minor?
E Phrygian has an F instead of F♯. This single half-step change creates the Phrygian sound. The rest of the notes are identical.