Explore scales · Ukulele
C♯ phrygian scale on ukulele
C♯ Phrygian uses C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B. The half-step from C♯ to D gives the scale a dark, Spanish-flavored minor sound.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the C♯ phrygian scale on ukulele?
C♯ phrygian in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the C string at fret 1 up to C♯ on the A string at fret 4. The root falls on the C string at fret 1 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 1, 2, 4 | G♯, A, B |
| 3 (C) | 1, 2, 4 | C♯, D, E |
| 2 (E) | 2, 4 | F♯, G♯ |
| 1 (A) | 2, 4 | B, C♯ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C♯ phrygian in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the C string at fret 4 up to E on the A string at fret 7. The root falls on the G string at fret 6 and the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 4, 6, 7 | B, C♯, D |
| 3 (C) | 4, 6 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (E) | 4, 5, 7 | G♯, A, B |
| 1 (A) | 4, 5, 7 | C♯, D, E |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C♯ phrygian in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the C string at fret 6 up to F♯ on the A string at fret 9. The root falls on the G string at fret 6 and the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (C) | 6, 8, 9 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (E) | 7, 9 | B, C♯ |
| 1 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C♯ phrygian in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the C string at fret 8 up to G♯ on the A string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
| 3 (C) | 8, 9, 11 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 1 (A) | 9, 11 | F♯, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ Phrygian lowers the second degree of C♯ natural minor. Compare C♯ natural minor to hear the D against D♯. The scale is built H, W, W, W, H, W, W from C♯. The ♭2 creates the characteristic Phrygian tension.
When to use it
Use C♯ Phrygian over C♯ minor and C♯ 5th chords. The ♭2 works over D major in metal and flamenco styles. Try it over A♭ minor 7th flat 5th for a tense dominant sound.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first. It keeps the root on the third string and covers frets 1–4, making the half-step from C♯ to D easy to hear.
Common questions
Which notes are in C♯ Phrygian?
C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B. The D is the flat second that defines the Phrygian sound. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
What chords fit C♯ Phrygian?
C♯ minor and C♯ 5th are the primary chords. D major and A♭ minor 7th flat 5th also work well.
How does C♯ Phrygian differ from C♯ natural minor?
C♯ Phrygian has a D instead of D♯. This single change creates the characteristic half-step between the first two notes.