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#DEF#G#AB
- 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 represent C# 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.
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 fretboardCommon chords and contexts
- 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.