F Phrygian Dominant Guitar Scale — Drop D
Guitar scale in Drop D tuning — fretboard diagram
F Phrygian Dominant in Drop D — Notes and Intervals
The F Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Guitar, the notes are F, Gb, A, Bb, C, Db, Eb. It sounds exotic, passionate, and aggressive, and is a favorite for metal guitarists and composers of high-drama scores. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores. Notable players include Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola. Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Notes: F, Gb, A, Bb, C, Db, Eb
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-E)
Also known as: spanish, phrygian major
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
- F Phrygian Dominant in Standard Tuning
- F Phrygian Dominant in DADGAD
- F Phrygian Dominant in Open G
- F Phrygian Dominant in Baritone (B Standard)
- F Phrygian Dominant in 7-string
- F Phrygian Dominant in 8-string
- F Phrygian Dominant in Drop C
- F Phrygian Dominant in Drop B
- F Phrygian Dominant in Open D
- F Phrygian Dominant in Half Step Down
- F Phrygian Dominant in Open E
- F Phrygian Dominant in Open A
- F Phrygian Dominant in Double Drop D
- F Phrygian Dominant in Open C