Tuning-specific scale diagram

G Phrygian Scale in Drop C# Tuning

G Phrygian Scale in Drop C# Tuning shows the same g 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
G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb, F
Formula
1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Semitones
0 1 3 5 7 8 10
Parent scale
Eb 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

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

String 5Abb2
String 2Bbb3
String 1Ebb6

First root on each string

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

Low-string pattern

On the lowest C# string, the first-octave scale pattern falls at frets 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11, with the G root at fret 6. On the highest D# string, the first G is at fret 4.

Fret 1D5
Fret 2Ebb6
Fret 4Fb7
Fret 6G1
Fret 7Abb2
Fret 9Bbb3
Fret 11C4

Practice this tuning-specific layout

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

Fretboard diagram

G Phrygian Scale in Drop C# Tuning fretboard diagram
G 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 G 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