Tuning-specific scale diagram

C# Phrygian Scale in Open D Tuning

C# Phrygian Scale in Open D Tuning shows the same c# phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned D A D F# A D. The tuning changes where the same pitch classes sit across the fretboard.

Scale 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
Tuning
D A D F# A D
Strings
6
Open pitch range
D2 to D4
24-fret range
D2 to D6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6Db2
String 5Ab6
String 4Db2
String 3F#4
String 2Ab6
String 1Db2

First root on each string

String 6Fret 11
String 5Fret 4
String 4Fret 11
String 3Fret 7
String 2Fret 4
String 1Fret 11

Low-string pattern

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

OpenDb2
Fret 2Eb3
Fret 4F#4
Fret 6G#5
Fret 7Ab6
Fret 9Bb7
Fret 11C#1

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

C# Phrygian Scale in Open D Tuning fretboard diagram
C# Phrygian Scale in Open D Tuning guitar fretboard diagram showing D A D F# A D.

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with C# Phrygian Scale and open d tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings