B Phrygian Dominant
Bass scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
B Phrygian Dominant Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Bass, the notes are B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A. It sounds exotic, passionate, and aggressive, and is a favorite for metal guitarists and composers of high-drama scores. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores. Notable players include Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola. Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Notes: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: spanish, phrygian major
Musical Character
The major 3rd within a Phrygian framework (b2, b6, b7) creates a scale that sounds simultaneously 'eastern' and 'powerful'. The b2-3 interval (augmented 2nd) is its signature exotic leap.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores
Notable players: Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola
How to Use the B Phrygian Dominant Scale
Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Origin & Background
The 5th mode of harmonic minor. The definitive sound of flamenco guitar, klezmer music, and Middle Eastern traditions.
Related Scales
Phrygian Dominant is the 5th mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View B Harmonic minor scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VII – VI – V (Andalusian Cadence)World / Flamenco — Tension & Drama
The B Phrygian Dominant scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.