Tuning-specific scale diagram

C Phrygian Scale in Open A Tuning

C Phrygian Scale in Open A Tuning shows the same c phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned E A E A C# E. 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: E A E A C# E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: E2 to E4
24-fret range: E2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

1 of the 6 open strings belong to C Phrygian Scale: string 2 Db (b2). None of those open-string tones is the C root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 2Dbb2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 8

String 5Fret 3

String 4Fret 8

String 3Fret 3

String 2Fret 11

String 1Fret 8

Low-string pattern

On the lowest E string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, with the C root at fret 8. On the highest E string, the first C is at fret 8.

Fret 1F4

Fret 3G5

Fret 4Abb6

Fret 6Bbb7

Fret 8C1

Fret 9Dbb2

Fret 11Ebb3

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play C Phrygian Scale on the low E string at frets 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets Db on open string 2 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 8, 3, 8, 3, 11, and 8, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.