Tuning-specific scale diagram

Bb Phrygian Scale in Drop C Tuning

Bb Phrygian Scale in Drop C Tuning shows the same bb 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: Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: Gb major
Tuning: C G C F A D
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to D4
24-fret range: C2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to Bb Phrygian Scale: string 3 F (5). None of those open-string tones is the Bb root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 3F5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 10

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 10

String 3Fret 5

String 2Fret 1

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, with the Bb root at fret 10. On the highest D string, the first Bb is at fret 8.

Fret 1Dbb3

Fret 3Eb4

Fret 5F5

Fret 6Gbb6

Fret 8Abb7

Fret 10Bb1

Fret 11Cbb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play Bb Phrygian Scale on the low C string at frets 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets F on open string 3 ring, then connect it to the nearest Bb root and two other scale tones.
Connect the Bb root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 10, 3, 10, 5, 1, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.