Guitar Scale Logic
A Phrygian Dominant Guitar Scale in DADGAD
Phrygian Dominant scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for DADGAD.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D|------------------------------0--2--3--| A|---------------------------4-----------| G|------------------0--2--3--------------| D|---------0--2--3-----------------------| A|0--1--4--------------------------------| D|---------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The A Phrygian Dominant scale uses A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, G and the formula 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7. In DADGAD tuning, the open strings run D A G D A D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each A root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Phrygian Dominant sounds bright inside a dark frame, with a strong Middle Eastern pull. Try it for metal leads, flamenco-inspired riffs and dramatic dominant vamps. DADGAD is D-A-D-G-A-D from low to high. The open strings contain D, A and G, leaving out the third of a D chord.
Emphasize the jump from b2 to 3 to define the mode instantly. In DADGAD, try an open-string drone that fits your chosen key and scale.
- A
- B♭
- C♯
- D
- E
- F
- G
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- A7dominant 7
- Amajor
- Asus4sus4
- A5power
- B♭major
- B♭5power
- B♭mminor
- Dsus4sus4
- D5power
- Dmminor