Tuning-specific scale diagram

F Phrygian Scale in Open C Tuning

F Phrygian Scale in Open C Tuning shows the same f phrygian scale pitch classes across 6 strings tuned C G C G C E. 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 G C E
Strings: 6
Open pitch range: C2 to E4
24-fret range: C2 to E6

Open strings and root positions

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

String 6C5

String 4C5

String 2C5

First root on each string

String 6Fret 5

String 5Fret 10

String 4Fret 5

String 3Fret 10

String 2Fret 5

String 1Fret 1

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, with the F root at fret 5. On the highest E string, the first F is at fret 1.

OpenC5

Fret 1Dbb6

Fret 3Ebb7

Fret 5F1

Fret 6Gbb2

Fret 8Abb3

Fret 10Bb4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

Play F Phrygian Scale on the low C string at frets 0, 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, and 10, saying each note name and degree aloud.
Build a phrase that lets C on open string 6 ring, then connect it to the nearest F root and two other scale tones.
Connect the F root positions on strings 6 through 1 at frets 5, 10, 5, 10, 5, and 1, adding the nearest scale tone between each pair of roots.