Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Phrygian Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning

C Phrygian Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning shows the same c phrygian scale pitch classes across 7 strings tuned G D G C F A D. The seventh string extends the pattern below a six-string layout while keeping the upper strings familiar.

Scale notes
C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb
Formula
1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
Ab major
Tuning
G D G C F A D
Strings
7
Open pitch range
G1 to D4
24-fret range
G1 to D6

Open strings and root positions

4 of the 7 open strings belong to C Phrygian Scale: string 7 G (5), string 5 G (5), string 4 C (1), and string 3 F (4). C roots occur on open string 4.

String 7G5
String 5G5
String 4C1
String 3F4

First root on each string

String 7Fret 5
String 6Fret 10
String 5Fret 5
String 4Open
String 3Fret 7
String 2Fret 3
String 1Fret 10

Low-string pattern

On the lowest G string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, with the C root at fret 5. On the highest D string, the first C is at fret 10.

OpenG5
Fret 1Abb6
Fret 3Bbb7
Fret 5C1
Fret 6Dbb2
Fret 8Ebb3
Fret 10F4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

C Phrygian Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning fretboard diagram
C Phrygian Scale in 7-String Drop G Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing G D G C F A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C Phrygian Scale and 7-string drop g tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings