Phrygian Dominant Scale Positions

In the introductory phrygian dominant scale lesson, we learned the basic patterns and properties of this wonderful scale. This lesson is about ensuring you can play this scale confidently in any position on the fretboard, by seeing one large pattern broken up into smaller patterns.

These smaller patterns are built on each degree of the phrygian dominant scale, giving us 7 positions. Break it down this way and you'll be playing across the entire fretboard sooner than you might expect.

The 7 phrygian dominant scale positions

First, just as with any other scale we might apply this to, let's lay out the intervals of phrygian dominant along the low E string. This will provide us with the positions for building the 7 patterns.

For this example, I'm in the key of G, but remember that this large pattern we're building is movable depending on where the root note lies.

So, starting with the 1st position pattern, which we already know from the first part. You could also play the 3rd on the low E string if you wanted...

2nd position. Fingering's a little tricky at first, but a great workout for the fingers. A lot of these patterns will be useful for warming up...

3rd position...

4th position. Exactly the same as the harmonic minor 1st position pattern. That's because phrygian dominant is a mode of harmonic minor (more on this another time!)...

5th position. You'll notice this and the last patter overlap the A string boxed pattern we learned in the first part...

6th position...

Finally the 7th position...

Staying in the example key of G, connecting the phrygian dominant scale positions from above would create the following large scale pattern...

Note that as the G string is the note G (obviously!) the open G string and therefore its 12th fret will be a root note.

These root note positions, and other common tones such as the 3rd and 5th, should be seen as reference points to help you find your bearings. Study how these interval relationships exist in each positions. You should be able to pick the major arpeggio (1 3 5) patterns out of each one.

As with the other scales, create your own patterns within this larger pattern to accomodate techniques such as runs and string skipping.

Of course, mastering this scale isn't just about learing patterns. For the bigger picture on how to really use scales fluidly take a look at the Guitar Scale Mastery Course.

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