Guitar Scale Logic
B Phrygian Guitar Scale in Open D
Phrygian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |---------------------------0--2--4--| A |---------------------2--3-----------| F#|---------------1--3-----------------| D |------0--2--4-----------------------| A |2--3--------------------------------| D |------------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 12 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The B Phrygian scale uses B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A and the formula 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. In Open D tuning, the open strings run D A F# D A D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each B 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. Open D is D-A-D-F#-A-D from low to high. Its open strings form a D major chord, which you can use alongside fretted melody notes.
Hit the b2 against the root to make the Phrygian tension obvious. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F♯
- G
- A
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Bmminor
- B5power
- Bsus4sus4
- Bm7minor 7
- C5power
- Cmajor
- D5power
- Dsus4sus4
- Dmajor
- Emminor