Guitar Scale Logic

Interactive Guitar Scale Finder

Guitar Scale Logic

G# Phrygian Dominant Guitar Scale in Open D

Phrygian Dominant scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.

Formula 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Tuning D A F# D A 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
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
A A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
F# F#
G#
A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
C#
D#
E
D
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
A A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
D
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
C#
D#
E
F#
G#
A
C
Root Note Scale Note

Scale Tablature

Position 1

D|------------1--2--4--|
A|------3--4-----------|
F#|2--3-----------------|
D|---------------------|
A|---------------------|
D|---------------------|

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

Theory & Context

Why This Shape Works

G# Phrygian Dominant in Open D tuning puts the notes G#, A, C, C#, D#, E, F# under your fingers in a layout that feels bright inside a dark frame, with a strong Middle Eastern pull. Open D spreads a full D major sonority across the strings, giving scale shapes a broad and ringing quality that suits fingerstyle, slide and melodic accompaniment. 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. Open D feels wide, resonant and strong for open voicings.

Pro Tip

Emphasize the jump from b2 to 3 to define the mode instantly. In Open D, it helps connected scale phrases bloom into chord fragments.

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

Suggested Chords

Works Well With This Scale

Chord options generated from the same note pool.

  • G#7dominant 7
  • G#major
  • G#sus4sus4
  • G#5power
  • Amajor
  • A5power
  • Amminor
  • C#sus4sus4
  • C#5power
  • C#mminor