Explore scales · Guitar
F♯ phrygian scale on guitar
F♯ phrygian is F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D, E. Box 1 places the root at string 6, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the F♯ phrygian scale on guitar?
F♯ phrygian 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 G on the high e string at fret 3. The root falls on the low E string at fret 2 and the high e string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 5 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 4 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 3 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
| 2 (B) | 0, 2, 3 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (e) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
F♯ phrygian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 17 notes across 6 strings, from F♯ on the low E string at fret 2 up to A on the high e string at fret 5. The root falls on the low E string at fret 2, the D string at fret 4 and the high e string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
| 5 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 4 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
| 2 (B) | 2, 3, 5 | C♯, D, E |
| 1 (e) | 2, 3, 5 | F♯, G, A |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
F♯ phrygian in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 13 notes across 6 strings, from A on the low E string at fret 5 up to B on the high e string at fret 7. The root falls on the B string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 5, 7 | A, B |
| 5 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 4 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 3 (G) | 6, 7 | C♯, D |
| 2 (B) | 5, 7, 8 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (e) | 5, 7 | A, B |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
F♯ phrygian in box 4 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 9 and the B string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 5 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 4 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 3 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
| 2 (B) | 7, 8, 10 | F♯, G, A |
| 1 (e) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
F♯ phrygian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 17 notes across 6 strings, from C♯ on the low E string at fret 9 up to E on the high e 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 6 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 5 (A) | 9, 10, 12 | F♯, G, A |
| 4 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (G) | 9, 11, 12 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (B) | 10, 12 | A, B |
| 1 (e) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
Why it sounds like that
F♯ phrygian lowers the second degree of F♯ natural minor from G♯ to G. The interval pattern becomes H, W, W, W, H, W, W. This half-step between root and ♭2 gives the scale its characteristic dark color.
When to use it
F♯ phrygian fits F♯ minor and F♯ 5th chords. It works over progressions in F♯ minor that emphasize the ♭2, such as F♯m–G–A. The scale suits flamenco, metal, and dark ambient styles.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. The root sits on string 6, fret 2, giving easy access to the low F♯ and the ♭2 above it.
Common questions
What notes are in F♯ phrygian?
F♯ phrygian contains F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D, and E. The scale has a half step between F♯ and G. This ♭2 creates the characteristic phrygian sound. It is also spelled G♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit F♯ phrygian?
F♯ phrygian fits F♯ minor and F♯ 5th chords. It also works over progressions using G major and A major. The scale's ♭2 and ♭6 give it a dark, tense quality.
What is the difference between F♯ phrygian and F♯ natural minor?
F♯ phrygian lowers the second degree of F♯ natural minor from G♯ to G. This creates a half step between the root and the second. The rest of the scale remains the same.