Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Phrygian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

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

Scale notes
F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb
Formula
1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
Db major
Tuning
C# G# C# F# A# D#
Strings
6
Open pitch range
C#2 to D#4
24-fret range
C#2 to D#6

Open strings and root positions

6 of the 6 open strings belong to F Phrygian Scale: string 6 Db (b6), string 5 Ab (b3), string 4 Db (b6), string 3 Gb (b2), string 2 Bb (4), and string 1 Eb (b7). None of those open-string tones is the F root, so the root must be fretted on every string.

String 6Dbb6
String 5Abb3
String 4Dbb6
String 3Gbb2
String 2Bb4
String 1Ebb7

First root on each string

String 6Fret 4
String 5Fret 9
String 4Fret 4
String 3Fret 11
String 2Fret 7
String 1Fret 2

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 11, with the F root at fret 4. On the highest D# string, the first F is at fret 2.

OpenDbb6
Fret 2Ebb7
Fret 4F1
Fret 5Gbb2
Fret 7Abb3
Fret 9Bb4
Fret 11C5

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

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

Open this diagram in the fretboard tool

Start with F Phrygian Scale and drop c# tuningloaded, then adjust labels, colors, fret count, and orientation.

Open in interactive fretboard

Reference pages

Same scale in other tunings