Scale · Mandolin
D Phrygian Dominant Scale · Mandolin
Fretboard map · Mandolin
Find every available note across the first 12 frets.
Notes
D · E♭ · F♯ · G · A · B♭ · C
Root: D
Intervals
1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7
How it is built
This scale starts on D and applies the intervals 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About D Phrygian Dominant Mandolin Scale
D Phrygian Dominant Mandolin scale uses the notes D, E♭, F♯, G, A, B♭, C. Its character is intense and exotic to Western tonal ears because of its flat second and major third.
Character and sound
Intense and exotic to Western tonal ears because of its flat second and major third.
Musical context and history
Phrygian dominant is the fifth mode of harmonic minor. In Western theory it is associated with colors heard in flamenco, metal and music from several Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions.
How and where it is used
It is useful over dominants resolving to minor, tonic-pedal riffs and progressions emphasizing the ♭2-to-3 span.
On mandolin, fifths tuning encourages symmetric movable patterns. Unison string courses reinforce the attack, and the map helps locate the same note in different fretboard registers. Everything you see and hear on this page comes from the same note set shown above.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on D. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7 and, from D, produces the notes D · E♭ · F♯ · G · A · B♭ · C.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the D Phrygian Dominant Mandolin scale?
The notes are D, E♭, F♯, G, A, B♭, C.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Intense and exotic to Western tonal ears because of its flat second and major third. It is useful over dominants resolving to minor, tonic-pedal riffs and progressions emphasizing the ♭2-to-3 span.
How can I check it on Mandolin?
Use the interactive diagram on this page and press Play or Note by note. The highlighted positions, written notes and playback all use the same pitch collection.