Guitar Scale Logic
C# Phrygian Guitar Scale in Open D
Phrygian scale notes, fretboard positions and guitar tabs for Open D.
Scale Tablature
Position 1
D |---------------------------2--4--6--| A |---------------------4--5-----------| F#|---------------3--5-----------------| 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 Open D tuning, the open strings run D A F# 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. Open D is D-A-D-F#-A-D from low to high. Its open strings form a D major chord, which you can use alongside fretted melody notes.
Hit the b2 against the root to make the Phrygian tension obvious. In Open D, find the D roots first, then follow the notes across the strings.
- 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