The Phrygian Dominant Scale Guitar is a captivating and versatile scale that opens up a world of exotic and dramatic sounds on the guitar. Often referred to as the Phrygian Major, Mixolydian b2 b6, Altered Phrygian, or even the Spanish Gypsy scale, this unique mode is a powerful tool for guitarists looking to add spice and tension to their playing. Understanding and mastering the Phrygian dominant scale will significantly expand your musical vocabulary, especially when improvising over dominant chords or exploring genres like flamenco, jazz fusion, and heavy metal.
Unpacking the Phrygian Dominant Scale
So, what exactly is the Phrygian dominant scale, and how is it constructed? Essentially, it’s a variation of the Mixolydian mode, but with a couple of crucial alterations that give it its distinctive character. Think of it as a Mixolydian scale with a flattened 2nd and a flattened 6th. The interval pattern is what truly defines its sound:
- Interval Pattern: Half step (H) – Whole and a Half step (W+H) – Half step (H) – Whole step (W) – Half step (H) – Whole step (W) – Whole step (W)
This translates to the following formula in relation to the major scale:
- Formula: 1 – b2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – b6 – b7
Let’s break down these intervals in a C Phrygian dominant scale:
- C: Root (1)
- Db: Flat 2nd (b2)
- E: Major 3rd (3)
- F: Perfect 4th (4)
- G: Perfect 5th (5)
- Ab: Flat 6th (b6)
- Bb: Flat 7th (b7)
Notice the presence of both a major 3rd and a minor 2nd interval from the root. This combination is key to the scale’s unique and somewhat dissonant flavor, making it perfect for creating tension and drama in your guitar riffs and solos. The major 3rd provides a bright, major tonality, while the flat 2nd (minor 9th in chordal terms) and flat 6th (minor 13th) introduce a darker, more exotic edge.
Phrygian Family: Dominant, Mode, and Bebop
To truly appreciate the Phrygian dominant scale, it’s helpful to compare it to its Phrygian cousins: the regular Phrygian mode and the Phrygian dominant bebop scale. These scales share a similar root and some common intervals, but their differences are what make each unique and suitable for different musical contexts.
| Scale | 1 | b2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | b6 | b7 | 7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phrygian Dominant | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Phrygian | ● | ● | b3 | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Phrygian Dominant Bebop | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
As you can see:
- Phrygian Mode: The standard Phrygian mode, derived from the major scale, has a minor 3rd (b3) instead of the major 3rd found in the Phrygian dominant scale. This gives the Phrygian mode a darker, more melancholic sound compared to the brighter, more assertive Phrygian dominant.
- Phrygian Dominant Bebop: The Phrygian dominant bebop scale takes the Phrygian dominant scale and adds a major 7th (7) between the minor 7th (b7) and the root. This added note is characteristic of bebop scales and is used to create a smoother, more melodic line, particularly in jazz improvisation.
One-Octave Phrygian Dominant Guitar Shapes
For beginners, learning one-octave shapes is an excellent way to get acquainted with the Phrygian dominant scale on the guitar. These shapes are compact, easy to memorize, and allow you to clearly hear the scale’s characteristic sound in a manageable format.
Each of the following shapes starts on a different string, giving you flexibility across the fretboard. Remember to practice these shapes in various keys by simply shifting the patterns up or down the neck to the desired root note.
Two-Octave Phrygian Dominant Guitar Positions
Expanding to two-octave shapes is the next logical step in mastering the Phrygian dominant scale. These positions cover a wider range on the fretboard and utilize all six strings, enabling you to play more extensive and fluid lines.
These shapes provide a broader canvas for improvisation and scale practice, helping you connect different parts of the guitar neck while staying within the Phrygian dominant scale.
Three-Notes-Per-String Phrygian Dominant Guitar Shapes
For advanced players looking to navigate the entire fretboard with the Phrygian dominant scale, three-notes-per-string patterns are invaluable. This technique allows for smooth transitions between positions and facilitates fast, legato playing.
The beauty of three-notes-per-string shapes is that they allow you to start from any degree of the scale. Shape 1 typically starts on the root, Shape 2 on the b2, Shape 3 on the 3rd, and so on, giving you ultimate flexibility and a deep understanding of the scale’s structure across the guitar neck.
Unleashing the Power: Using the Phrygian Dominant Scale
The Phrygian dominant scale truly shines when used over dominant 7th chords. Its unique combination of intervals creates a compelling tension that resolves beautifully when the chord progresses. Here are some practical applications:
- Dominant Chord Improvisation: This is the scale’s primary playground. When you encounter a dominant 7th chord (like G7, A7, etc.), the Phrygian dominant scale rooted on that chord (G Phrygian dominant over G7, A Phrygian dominant over A7) will provide a wealth of interesting and exotic melodic possibilities. The b9 (b2) and b13 (b6) intervals add those crucial “altered” sounds that are essential for jazz, fusion, and even blues styles.
- Flamenco and Spanish Music: The “Spanish Gypsy” moniker is well-deserved. The Phrygian dominant scale is fundamental to flamenco music, lending its characteristic passionate and dramatic flavor. Explore flamenco chord progressions and try using the scale to create authentic-sounding melodies.
- Heavy Metal and Fusion: Don’t underestimate its power in heavier genres. Metal guitarists often use the Phrygian dominant scale to create dark, aggressive riffs and solos. Its tension-filled sound works perfectly in minor key progressions or over power chords with added dominant flavor.
- Middle Eastern and World Music Influences: The exotic quality of this scale also connects it to Middle Eastern and other world music traditions. Experiment with incorporating its sounds into your playing to add a global touch.
Tips for Practice:
- Start Slow and Focus on Intervals: Begin by playing the scale slowly, paying close attention to the half-step and whole-step intervals. Listen for the characteristic sound of the b2 and b6.
- Improvise Over Dominant 7 Chords: Practice improvising over backing tracks or chord progressions that feature dominant 7th chords. Experiment with targeting chord tones and using the scale to create tension and release.
- Explore Different Genres: Listen to music that utilizes the Phrygian dominant scale in different genres (jazz, flamenco, metal) to get inspiration and understand its application in context.
- Combine Shapes: Practice transitioning smoothly between the one-octave, two-octave, and three-notes-per-string shapes to gain fluidity and fretboard mastery.
Conclusion
The Phrygian dominant scale guitar is more than just another scale to learn; it’s a gateway to a richer and more expressive musical landscape. By understanding its construction, practicing its shapes, and exploring its applications, you can unlock a world of exotic sounds and add a unique dimension to your guitar playing. So, take some time to delve into the Phrygian dominant scale, and prepare to unleash its captivating power in your music!
