Explore scales · Guitar
E phrygian dominant scale on guitar
E phrygian dominant uses E, F, G♯, A, B, C, D. Box 1 places the root on the fourth string and the second string, ideal for open-string drones.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E phrygian dominant scale on guitar?
E phrygian dominant in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 15 notes across 6 strings, from E on the low E string at fret 0 up to F on the high e string at fret 1. The root falls on the low E string at fret 0, the D string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 3 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 1, 3 | B, C, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 1 | E, F |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
E phrygian dominant in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 15 notes across 6 strings, from G♯ on the low E string at fret 4 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the B string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 3 (G) | 4, 5, 7 | B, C, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 6 | E, F |
| 1 (e) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
E phrygian dominant in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 16 notes across 6 strings, from B on the low E string at fret 7 up to D on the high e 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9, 10 | D, E, F |
| 2 (B) | 9, 10 | G♯, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
Box 4 · frets 10–13
E phrygian dominant in box 4 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 15 notes across 6 strings, from D on the low E string at fret 10 up to F on the high e string at fret 13. The root falls on the low E string at fret 12 and the high e string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 5 (A) | 11, 12 | G♯, A |
| 4 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 3 (G) | 10, 13 | F, G♯ |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12, 13 | A, B, C |
| 1 (e) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
Why it sounds like that
Take E phrygian and raise the third from G to G♯. The scale now has a major third and a ♭2, giving intervals 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. The step pattern is H, 1½, H, W, H, W, W; see E phrygian for the minor version.
When to use it
Play it over E major or E 5th for a Phrygian dominant tonic. The ♭2 F and ♭6 C create tension against E major, while the major third G♯ keeps it bright. Use it in flamenco, klezmer, and metal.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root is on the fourth string, second fret, and the position covers frets 0–3, giving easy access to the ♭2.
Common questions
What notes are in E phrygian dominant?
The notes are E, F, G♯, A, B, C, D. The intervals are 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. It is a phrygian scale with a raised third.
Which chords fit E phrygian dominant?
The tonic chord is E major or E 5th. Other common chords are F major, A minor, and D minor. The ♭2 and ♭6 create a Spanish flavour.
How is E phrygian dominant different from E phrygian?
E phrygian dominant has a major third (G♯), while E phrygian has a minor third (G). This changes the tonic chord from minor to major. The rest of the notes are identical.