ScalesF# Phrygian
Guitar scale · fretboard map
F# Phrygian Scale
The F# Phrygian scale is built from the notes F#, G, A, B, C#, D, and E, also known as the Phrygian mode. The diagram below maps every one of those notes across the guitar neck, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root F# highlighted.
The phrygian scale is a minor scale with a flat second: dark and Spanish-sounding, a favorite in flamenco and metal.
Notes in the F# Phrygian scale
F#1
Gb2
Ab3
B4
C#5
Db6
Eb7
F# Phrygian scale on the fretboard
root (F#) other scale notes
Explore this on the interactive fretboard →
The free Fretboard Explorer lets you switch keys and see the CAGED shapes and scale overlays tile the whole neck.
Other scales in F#
F# MajorF# Natural MinorF# Major PentatonicF# Minor PentatonicF# BluesF# DorianF# LydianF# MixolydianF# Harmonic Minor
The phrygian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the F# Phrygian scale?
- The F# Phrygian scale contains 7 notes: F#, G, A, B, C#, D, and E. As scale degrees those are 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7.
- How do you play the F# Phrygian scale on guitar?
- Every note above is shown on the fretboard diagram, from the open strings up to the 12th fret, with the root (F#) highlighted. The pattern is movable: learn the shape once and you can slide it to start on any root. Anchor your playing to the F# notes so the scale sounds resolved.
- What is the F# Phrygian scale used for?
- The phrygian scale is a minor scale with a flat second: dark and Spanish-sounding, a favorite in flamenco and metal. Once the shape is under your fingers, try improvising over a backing track in F# and listen for how each note pulls back toward the root.