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