Scale · Mandolin
D Phrygian 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 Mandolin Scale
D Phrygian Mandolin scale uses the notes D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭, C. Its character is dark and tense because of its characteristic flat second.
Character and sound
Dark and tense because of its characteristic flat second.
Musical context and history
Modern Phrygian is a minor mode with a flat second. Its name derives from historical modal theory, while contemporary use appears in flamenco, metal, modal jazz and traditional repertoires.
How and where it is used
Use it for minor colors with ♭2, riffs, tonic pedals and modal improvisation.
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
This scale can be understood as a mode of the B♭ major scale: it contains the same notes, but D acts as the tonal center. Changing the center changes how the same pitches are perceived.
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 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?
Dark and tense because of its characteristic flat second. Use it for minor colors with ♭2, riffs, tonic pedals and modal improvisation.
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.