Tuning-specific scale diagram

Ab Phrygian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

Ab Phrygian Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same ab phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C# G# C# F# A# D#. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: E major
Tuning: C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C#2 to D#4
24-fret range: C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to Ab Phrygian Scale: string 6 Db (4), string 5 Ab (1), string 4 Db (4), string 3 Gb (b7), and string 1 Eb (5). Ab roots occur on open string 5.

String 6Db4

String 5Ab1

String 4Db4

String 3Gbb7

String 1Eb5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 7

String 5Open

String 4Fret 7

String 3Fret 2

String 2Fret 10

String 1Fret 5

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, with the Ab root at fret 7. On the highest D# string, the first Ab is at fret 5.

OpenDb4

Fret 2Eb5

Fret 3Fbb6

Fret 5Gbb7

Fret 7Ab1

Fret 8Bbbb2

Fret 10Cbb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Ab Phrygian Scale on the low C# string at frets 0, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Db on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest Ab root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Ab root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 7, 0, 7, 2, 10, and 5, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.