Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described in which a user equipment (UE) may transmit a random access message (e.g., msgA or msg3) using a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) selected based on the frequency band and subcarrier spacing utilized for the random access procedure. The MCS may depend on the frequency band and a size of the SCS satisfying a threshold. In some cases, a base station may select and indicate the MCS for the UE. Additionally or alternatively, a phase tracking reference signal may be transmitted along with a random access message to correct for phase noise.