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