Explore scales · Bass
C♯ phrygian scale on bass guitar
C♯ Phrygian uses C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 4 for a mid-neck start.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the C♯ phrygian scale on bass?
C♯ phrygian in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 2, 8 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. No root falls inside this box; it sits between two of them.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
C♯ phrygian in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to B on the G string at fret 4. The root falls on the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 4, 5 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 2, 4, 5 | B, C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4 | E, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 4 | A, B |
Box 3 · frets 4–7
C♯ phrygian in box 3 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 12 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 4 and the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
C♯ phrygian in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 9, 10 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9 | A, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 5 · frets 9–12
C♯ phrygian in box 5 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 11 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 9 and the D string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ Phrygian lowers the second degree of C♯ natural minor by a half step. The ♭2 interval creates a dark, tense color. Compare it with C♯ natural minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use C♯ Phrygian over C♯ minor and C♯ 5th chords. The ♭2 adds a Spanish or metal flavor. It works in flamenco, metal, and dark ambient styles. Try it over C♯ minor or C♯ 5th.
Which position to practise
Practice Box 1 first. It places the root on string 3, fret 4, covering frets 0–2 for a mid-neck position.
Common questions
What notes are in C♯ Phrygian?
C♯ Phrygian contains C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A, and B. The D is the flat second that defines the mode. All other notes match C♯ natural minor. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit C♯ Phrygian?
C♯ minor and C♯ 5th chords fit best. The scale also works over progressions using D major, E major, F♯ minor, A♭ diminished, A major, and B minor. The flat second adds tension over the tonic.
What is the difference between C♯ Phrygian and C♯ natural minor?
C♯ Phrygian has a D instead of D♯. This single half-step change creates the Phrygian sound. The rest of the notes are identical.