B Harmonic Phrygian Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
What chords fit over B Harmonic Phrygian?
Open B Harmonic Phrygian HarmonizerB Harmonic Phrygian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Harmonic Phrygian scale grafts a raised seventh onto the Phrygian mode, producing an augmented second in the upper tetrachord that resonates with centuries of Moorish musical influence. On Guitar, the notes are B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#. It delivers strong cadential resolution through its leading tone while the flattened second preserves the ancient, tense quality prized in flamenco and Middle Eastern music. Commonly used in Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Marty Friedman, Tomatito. Use over m(Maj7) and sus(b9) chords. The raised 7th provides a leading tone for strong cadential resolution while the b2 maintains the Phrygian tension. Effective over i-bII vamps.
Notes: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
Phrygian mode with a raised 7th degree, creating an augmented 2nd interval between the b6 and natural 7 in the upper tetrachord. This gap produces a distinctly Moorish atmosphere reminiscent of medieval Iberian music.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Metal, Film Scores
Notable players: Marty Friedman, Tomatito
How to Use the B Harmonic Phrygian Scale
Use over m(Maj7) and sus(b9) chords. The raised 7th provides a leading tone for strong cadential resolution while the b2 maintains the Phrygian tension. Effective over i-bII vamps.
Origin & Background
A synthetic mode combining the dark foundation of the Phrygian mode with the leading tone of harmonic minor. The augmented 2nd in the upper half of the scale echoes the sound of Moorish music that permeated medieval Spain during centuries of cultural exchange.
How to Play B Harmonic Phrygian on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 7 on the 6th (low E) to find your B root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is 2nd fret on the A string.
The B Harmonic Phrygian scale contains 2 sharps (F#, A#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 100 BPM and play the B Harmonic Phrygian scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Harmonic Phrygian scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, practice the B Harmonic Phrygian scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications. Aim for a moorish quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Harmonic Phrygian scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F#, G, A#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Harmonic Phrygian
The B Harmonic Phrygian 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 B Harmonic Phrygian Further
- Harmonize the B Harmonic Phrygian scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- B Harmonic Phrygian on Ukulele
- B Harmonic Phrygian on Bass
- B Harmonic Phrygian on Piano
Explore B Harmonic Phrygian in Other Tunings
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- B Harmonic Phrygian in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)