Guitar Scale Logic
A Phrygian Dominant Guitar Scale in Drop D
Phrygian Dominant scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Drop D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------0--1--3--| B|---------------------------2--3-----------| G|------------------0--2--3-----------------| D|---------0--2--3--------------------------| A|0--1--4-----------------------------------| D|------------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 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 Drop D tuning, the open strings run E B 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. Drop D lowers the sixth string from E to D. The other five strings stay in Standard tuning, so only the low-string notes move.
Emphasize the jump from b2 to 3 to define the mode instantly. In Drop D, check the sixth-string frets before reusing a Standard-tuning pattern.
- 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