Explore scales · Bass
G phrygian dominant scale on bass guitar
G phrygian dominant uses G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, F. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 3 and string 2, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the G phrygian dominant scale on bass?
G phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 9 notes across 4 strings, from F on the E string at fret 1 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the E string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 3, 4 | F, G, A♭ |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3 | E♭, F |
| 1 (G) | 1, 4 | A♭, B |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 3 and the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5, 6 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5, 6 | F, G, A♭ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
G phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 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 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 8, 10 | F, G |
| 2 (D) | 9, 10 | B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8, 10 | D, E♭, F |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
G phrygian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the A string at fret 10 and the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11, 13 | D, E♭, F |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12, 13 | F, G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
Raise the third of G phrygian from B♭ to B to form this scale. The steps are H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W. Compare with G phrygian to hear the major third.
When to use it
Use it over G major or G 5th for a Spanish or Middle Eastern feel. The ♭2 and ♭6 suit dominant lines. Try it on G major or G 5th.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root under your first finger at fret 3 on string 4 and reaches the high G at fret 5 on string 2.
Common questions
Which notes are in G phrygian dominant?
The notes are G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, and F. The scale has a major third and a minor second. It is the fifth mode of C harmonic minor.
What chords fit G phrygian dominant?
G major and G 5th are the primary chords. The ♭2 and ♭6 create tension over these chords. Use the scale for dominant function in G minor progressions.
How does G phrygian dominant differ from G phrygian?
G phrygian dominant raises the third from B♭ to B. This creates a major third instead of a minor third. The rest of the notes stay the same.