Tuning-specific scale diagram

B Phrygian Scale in Open C Tuning

B Phrygian Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same b phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale notes: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: G major
Tuning: C G C G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to B Phrygian Scale: string 6 C (b2), string 5 G (b6), string 4 C (b2), string 3 G (b6), string 2 C (b2), and string 1 E (4). None of those open-string tones is the B root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Cb2

String 5Gb6

String 4Cb2

String 3Gb6

String 2Cb2

String 1E4

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 4

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 7

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the B root at fret 11. On the highest E string, the first B is at fret 7.

OpenCb2

Fret 2Db3

Fret 4E4

Fret 6F#5

Fret 7Gb6

Fret 9Ab7

Fret 11B1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play B Phrygian Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest B root and two other scale tones.
Connect the B root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 11, 4, 11, 4, 11, and 7, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.