Guitar scale

C# Phrygian Guitar Scale

C# Phrygian is a seven-note scale built from C#, D, E, F#, G#, A, and B. It is the 3rd relative mode of A major. Use it to study the scale's notes, interval formula, and guitar fretboard positions.

Notes: C#, D, E, F#, G#, A, B
Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones: 0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale: A major

How to read this scale

The notes are shown as pitch classes first. Square markers representC# root notes in the fretboard view, while circular markers represent the other notes in the scale.

Use the interactive fretboard to locate the C# root notes and connect the remaining phrygian tones across standard tuning.

Sound and defining tones

C# Phrygian is defined by the close pull between the root and b2 (D) and b3 (E). The flat second creates immediate tension, while the flat third confirms the minor quality.

Characteristic tones: b2Db3E

Fretboard diagram

Open this scale in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Phrygian loaded, then adjust tuning, labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Common chords and contexts

Use C# Phrygian over a minor pedal or riff centered on C# when the flat second is present in the harmony. Avoid forcing it over ordinary natural-minor progressions whose second degree is natural.

Use C# Phrygian over dark C# minor vamps when the flat 2 is part of the sound.
It fits heavier rock, metal, Spanish-flavored ideas, and modal minor progressions.

Practice this scale on guitar

Play C# Phrygian from one C# root to the next in at least two fretboard positions, saying each note name and scale degree aloud.
Repeat a one-fret root-to-flat-second figure around several C# positions, then connect it to b2 (D) and b3 (E).
Create a short C# pedal-tone riff and answer it with phrases that feature the flat second before resolving to the root.