A Phrygian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram
A Phrygian in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals
The A Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Guitar, its notes are A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G. It has a strong Spanish or ethnic flavor, making it the definitive sound of Flamenco. In modern contexts, it is widely used in heavy metal to create an aggressive, brooding atmosphere. The diatonic chords of A Phrygian are Am7, BbMaj7, C7, Dm7, Em7b5, FMaj7, Gm7. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern. Notable players include Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia. Use over sus(b9), m7 chords in Phrygian contexts. Often played over a droning root note or power chord. The b2 → 1 resolution is the mode's signature move.
Notes: A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: DADGAD (D-A-D-G-A-D)
Diatonic Chords
Am7 — B♭Maj7 — C7 — Dm7 — Em7♭5 — FMaj7 — Gm7
About DADGAD Tuning
DADGAD tuning creates an open Dsus4 chord when strummed open, producing a hauntingly beautiful, droning sound that has become synonymous with Celtic folk music and modern acoustic songwriting. The tuning's natural resonance and overtones make even simple fingerpicking patterns sound rich and complex.
Popularized by Davey Graham in the 1960s and later championed by Pierre Bensusan and Jimmy Page, DADGAD has become one of the most beloved alternate tunings for acoustic guitarists. Its suspended quality — neither clearly major nor minor — creates an ethereal, meditative atmosphere that invites exploration. The tuning excels at creating drone-based arrangements where open strings ring against fretted notes.
Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber
Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions
Musical Character
The b2 interval from the root creates an immediate sense of tension and 'danger'. This single semitone is what gives Phrygian its unmistakable flamenco/metal character.
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VII – VI – V (Andalusian Cadence)World / Flamenco — Tension & Drama