Guitar Scale Logic
C# Phrygian Guitar Scale in Open C
Phrygian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open C.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
E|---------------------------------------| C|------------------------------------1--| G|---------------------------1--2--4-----| C|------------------1--2--4--------------| G|---------1--2--4-----------------------| C|1--2--4--------------------------------|
0-4 frets • five-fret position fragment • 13 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 Open C tuning, the open strings run E C G C G C 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. Open C is C-G-C-G-C-E from low to high. Its open strings form a C major chord, with C on three strings.
Hit the b2 against the root to make the Phrygian tension obvious. In Open C, use the three open C strings to check the roots when practising in C.
- 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