Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Phrygian Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning

C Phrygian Scale in E Flat Standard Tuning shows the same c phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

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: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: Eb2 to Eb4
24-fret range: Eb2 to Eb6

Open strings and root positions

5 of the 6 open strings belong to C Phrygian Scale: string 6 Eb (b3), string 5 Ab (b6), string 4 Db (b2), string 2 Bb (b7), and string 1 Eb (b3). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Ebb3

String 5Abb6

String 4Dbb2

String 2Bbb7

String 1Ebb3

First root on each string

String 6Fret 9

String 5Fret 4

String 4Fret 11

String 3Fret 6

String 2Fret 2

String 1Fret 9

Low-string pattern

On the lowest Eb string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, with the C root at fret 9. On the highest Eb string, the first C is at fret 9.

OpenEbb3

Fret 2F4

Fret 4G5

Fret 5Abb6

Fret 7Bbb7

Fret 9C1

Fret 10Dbb2

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Phrygian Scale on the low Eb string at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Eb on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest C root and two other scale tones.
Connect the C root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 9, 4, 11, 6, 2, and 9, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.