D Phrygian Guitar Scale — Drop D
Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
D Phrygian in Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The D Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Guitar, its notes are D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C. 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 D Phrygian are Dm7, EbMaj7, F7, Gm7, Am7b5, BbMaj7, Cm7. 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: D, Eb, F, G, A, Bb, C
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: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
Diatonic Chords
Dm7 — E♭Maj7 — F7 — Gm7 — Am7♭5 — B♭Maj7 — Cm7
About Drop D Tuning
Drop D tuning lowers the 6th string from E to D, giving you instant access to heavy power chords with a single finger. This deceptively simple change opens up a world of heavier riffs, deeper bass notes, and new chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. The low D string creates a powerful foundation for rhythm playing while keeping the rest of the fretboard familiar.
Drop D is one of the most versatile alternate tunings in modern music. From the crunchy riffs of grunge and alternative rock to the thunderous breakdowns of metal, this tuning has shaped the sound of countless iconic songs. It's also surprisingly useful for fingerpicking and acoustic arrangements where you need a deep bass drone.
Notable artists: Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Tool, Killswitch Engage
Best for: Power chords, heavy riffs, drop-tuned metal rhythm, and acoustic arrangements with a deep bass drone
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- D Phrygian in Standard Tuning
- D Phrygian in DADGAD
- D Phrygian in Open G
- D Phrygian in Baritone (B Standard)
- D Phrygian in 7-string
- D Phrygian in 8-string
- D Phrygian in Drop C
- D Phrygian in Drop B
- D Phrygian in Open D
- D Phrygian in Half Step Down
- D Phrygian in Open E
- D Phrygian in Open A
- D Phrygian in Double Drop D
- D Phrygian in Open C