F# Phrygian Dominant Mandolin Scale
Mandolin scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
F# Phrygian Dominant Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Mandolin, the notes are F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, E. 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: F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, E
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 F# 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.
How to Play F# Phrygian Dominant on Mandolin
Begin by locating F# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Phrygian Dominant scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The F# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 3 sharps (F#, A#, C#). Its relative major is A# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Practice the F# Phrygian Dominant scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F# to let the characteristic intervals of the Phrygian Dominant scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in klezmer contexts.
Mandolin Tips
Practice the F# Phrygian Dominant scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a exotic quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Phrygian Dominant is the 5th mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View F# Harmonic minor scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VII – VI – V (Andalusian Cadence)World / Flamenco — Tension & Drama
The F# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 7 notes (F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, E). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Mandolin with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for F# Phrygian Dominant
The F# Phrygian Dominant scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore F# Phrygian Dominant Further
- Browse chord progressions
- F# Phrygian Dominant on Guitar
- F# Phrygian Dominant on Ukulele
- F# Phrygian Dominant on Bass
- F# Phrygian Dominant on Piano