G Phrygian Guitar Scale — DADGAD

Guitar scale in DADGAD tuning — fretboard diagram

G phrygian scale — 6-string guitar fretboard diagramInteractive fretboard diagram showing the G phrygian scale on 6-string guitar with 22 frets. Notes: D, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb, C.DEbFGAbBbCDEbFGAbBbCBbCDEbFGAbBbCDEbFGGAbBbCDEbFGAbBbCDEbFDEbFGAbBbCDEbFGAbBbCBbCDEbFGAbBbCDEbFGDEbFGAbBbCDEbFGAbBbC1357911121315171921

G Phrygian in DADGAD — Notes and Intervals

The G Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Guitar, its notes are G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb, F. 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 G Phrygian are Gm7, AbMaj7, Bb7, Cm7, Dm7b5, EbMaj7, Fm7. 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: G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb, F

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

Gm7 — A♭Maj7 — B♭7 — Cm7 — Dm7♭5 — E♭Maj7 — Fm7

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.

CelticFolkAcousticWorld MusicNew AgeAmbient

Notable artists: Pierre Bensusan, Jimmy Page, Andy McKee, Davey Graham, Laurence Juber

Best for: Celtic folk, acoustic songwriting, drone-based fingerpicking, and meditative compositions

Explore This Scale in Other Tunings

← All Guitar scales in DADGAD tuning