Guitar Scale Logic
C# Phrygian Guitar Scale in DADGAD
Phrygian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for DADGAD.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D|---------------------------2--4--6--| A|------------------------5-----------| G|---------------2--4--6--------------| D|------2--4--6-----------------------| A|4--5--------------------------------| D|------------------------------------|
2-6 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.
- C♯mminor
- C♯5power
- C♯sus4sus4
- C♯m7minor 7
- D5power
- Dmajor
- E5power
- Esus4sus4
- Emajor
- F♯mminor