C phrygian scale
How to play the C phrygian scale
C PhrygianC · C♯ · D♯ · F · G · G♯ · A♯ · C
Piano samples: Salamander Grand Piano (CC-BY 3.0)
C phrygian scale — notes and structure
The C phrygian scale is a minor mode with a flattened second — dark and Spanish/flamenco-flavoured.
The C phrygian scale consists of the notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭. Its interval structure is R–♭2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7 — the intervals from the root that give the scale its sound. This is the same scale you see in the interactive finder above, drawn on the piano keyboard with the root circled and every note labelled.
Its step pattern is half · whole · whole · whole · half · whole · whole — the shape that makes it the phrygian scale in any key.
Play the 7 notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭ in order from the root C; the interactive keyboard above lights up every note of the scale.
Chords in the C phrygian scale
Stack the scale’s own notes in thirds and you get these seven chords — the harmony available to you without leaving the scale.
Frequently asked questions
- What notes are in the C phrygian scale?
- The C phrygian scale has the 7 notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭. It is a minor mode with a flattened second — dark and Spanish/flamenco-flavoured.
- How many notes are in the C phrygian scale?
- 7 notes: C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭.
- What is the phrygian scale used for?
- The phrygian scale is a minor mode with a flattened second — dark and Spanish/flamenco-flavoured — hear it and see it on the keyboard above.
- What chords are in the C phrygian scale?
- Stacking the scale's own notes in thirds gives Cm (i), C♯ (II), D♯ (III), Fm (iv), Gdim (v°), G♯ (VI), A♯m (vii).