Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

A Phrygian Dominant Guitar Scale in Half Step Down

Phrygian Dominant scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Half Step Down.

Formula 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Tuning D# A# F# C# G# D#
Scale Notes 7 notes

Interactive fretboard

Scale Map

Root notes are highlighted in amber. Use the buttons to isolate each five-fret position.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
D#
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
D
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
A# A#
C#
D
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
D
E
F
G
F#
G
A
A#
C#
D
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
D
E
C# C#
D
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
D
E
F
G
A
A#
G#
A
A#
C#
D
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
D
E
F
D#
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
D
E
F
G
A
A#
C#
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D#|---------------------------------1--2--4--|
A#|---------------------------3--4-----------|
F#|------------------1--3--4-----------------|
C#|------0--1--3--4--------------------------|
G#|1--2--------------------------------------|
D#|------------------------------------------|

Pattern shows scale notes in 0-4 frets for position 1.

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

A Phrygian Dominant in Half Step Down tuning puts the notes A, A#, C#, D, E, F, G under your fingers in a layout that feels bright inside a dark frame, with a strong Middle Eastern pull. Half step down keeps standard tuning geometry while lowering the overall pitch, which softens the string feel and gives classic rock phrasing a slightly darker colour. On this page you can switch between all visible notes or five smaller positions, study a pre-rendered tab pattern for each zone and match the sound against chords that stay inside the scale. Because the interval formula is 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7, every diagram here is generated from exact semitone math instead of guessed text. Start with Position 1 to lock in the tonic, then connect Positions 2 and 3 so you can move into riffs, lead fills and improvised phrases without losing the key center.

Overview

Phrygian Dominant sounds bright inside a dark frame, with a strong Middle Eastern pull and is especially useful for metal leads, flamenco-inspired riffs and dramatic dominant vamps. Half Step Down feels familiar but slightly darker and looser.

Pro Tip

Emphasize the jump from b2 to 3 to define the mode instantly. In Half Step Down, it is easy to adapt if you already know the standard shapes.

  • A
  • A#
  • C#
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

Chord options generated from the same note pool.

  • A7dominant 7
  • Amajor
  • Asus4sus4
  • A5power
  • A#major
  • A#5power
  • A#mminor
  • Dsus4sus4
  • D5power
  • Dmminor

Related Pages

Related Scales