Guitar Scale Logic
C Phrygian Guitar Scale in DADGAD
Phrygian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for DADGAD.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D|---------------------------1--3--5--| A|------------------------4-----------| G|---------------1--3--5--------------| D|------1--3--5-----------------------| A|3--4--------------------------------| D|------------------------------------|
1-5 frets • five-fret position fragment • 12 notes
Theory & Context
Why This Shape Works
The C Phrygian scale uses C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭ and the formula 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. In DADGAD tuning, the open strings run D A G D A D from highest to lowest, so use this map rather than a Standard-tuning shape. Use the map to locate each C root, then select a five-fret position to see its tablature. The chord suggestions use notes from this scale.
Phrygian sounds dark, compressed and exotic. Try it for metal riffs, Spanish-flavoured motifs and tense pedal point ideas. DADGAD is D-A-D-G-A-D from low to high. The open strings contain D, A and G, leaving out the third of a D chord.
Hit the b2 against the root to make the Phrygian tension obvious. In DADGAD, try an open-string drone that fits your chosen key and scale.
- C
- D♭
- E♭
- F
- G
- A♭
- B♭
Suggested Chords
Works Well With This Scale
These chords contain notes from the selected scale.
- Cmminor
- C5power
- Csus4sus4
- Cm7minor 7
- D♭5power
- D♭major
- E♭5power
- E♭sus4sus4
- E♭major
- Fmminor