Guitar Scale Logic
A Phrygian Guitar Scale in Half Step Down
Phrygian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Half Step Down.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D#|---------------------------------1--2--4--| A#|---------------------------2--4-----------| F#|------------------1--3--4-----------------| C#|---------1--3--4--------------------------| G#|1--2--4-----------------------------------| D#|------------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 14 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The A Phrygian scale uses A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G and the formula 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. In Half Step Down tuning, the open strings run D# A# F# C# G# 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 sounds dark, compressed and exotic. Try it for metal riffs, Spanish-flavoured motifs and tense pedal point ideas. Half Step Down lowers every string by one semitone. Chord shapes keep their familiar string relationships, but the sounding notes change.
Hit the b2 against the root to make the Phrygian tension obvious. In Half Step Down, remember that a familiar shape now sounds one semitone lower.
- A
- B♭
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Amminor
- A5power
- Asus4sus4
- Am7minor 7
- B♭5power
- B♭major
- C5power
- Csus4sus4
- Cmajor
- Dmminor