C Phrygisch Tonleiter

The third mode of the major scale. The distinctive ♭2 gives it a Spanish, flamenco flavor.

Dark, Spanish Flamenco 7 notes
C Phrygisch Scale — Quick Answer & Harmonic Definition

The C Phrygisch scale consists of 7 notes: C, C#, D#, F, G, G#, A#. Its step interval pattern is H–W–W–W–H–W–W (W=whole step, H=half step), creating a characteristic dark, spanish sound.

Formula: H–W–W–W–H–W–W
Notes
C – C# – D# – F – G – G# – A#
Step Pattern
H–W–W–W–H–W–W

C Phrygisch Scale on Piano

C 1 (Root)
C# +1
D# ♭3
F 4
G 5
G# ♯5/♭6
A# ♭7

Scale Degrees

Degree Semitones Note Scale Name
1 (Root) 0 C Tonic
2 1 C# Supertonic
3 3 D# Mediant
4 5 F Subdominant
5 7 G Dominant
6 8 G# Submediant
7 10 A# Leading Tone

About the C Phrygisch Scale

The C Phrygisch scale contains 7 notes — C, C#, D#, F, G, G#, A# — following the interval pattern H–W–W–W–H–W–W. The third mode of the major scale. The distinctive ♭2 gives it a Spanish, flamenco flavor.

Sound and Musical Character

The C Phrygisch scale has a dark, spanish character. The minor third (D#) above the root C gives it its darker, more introspective quality compared to major scales.

How to Practice C Phrygisch

Start slow — 60 BPM with a metronome — playing the scale ascending and descending. On piano, learn the correct fingering to minimize hand position shifts. On guitar, learn one box pattern first, then expand to cover the entire neck. The key milestone is being able to play the C Phrygisch scale starting from any position in any key.

Using C Phrygisch in Real Music

The C Phrygisch scale is fundamental to Flamenco, metal, EDM, film scores. Countless famous recordings use this exact scale over minor chord progressions in C. Learning this scale in the context of real songs is the fastest way to internalize its sound.

Phrygisch Scale in All 12 Keys

C C# D D# E F F# G G# A A# B

Other C Scales

C Major
Bright, happy
C Natural Minor
Sad, melancholic
C Harmonic Minor
Exotic, dramatic
C Melodic Minor
Smooth, jazzy
C Major Pentatonic
Bright, versatile
C Minor Pentatonic
Bluesy, soulful
C Blues
Raw, expressive
C Dorian
Minor + jazzy
Virtual Piano
Play the scale on piano
Virtual Guitar
See fretboard patterns
C Chords
Chords for this key
Theory
How scales work

Knowledge Base & FAQs

C Phrygisch Scale — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our browser-based Web Audio engine, instruments, and music theory workspace.

What notes are in the C Phrygisch scale?

The C Phrygisch scale has 7 notes: C, C#, D#, F, G, G#, A#.

The pattern is H–W–W–W–H–W–W (W=whole step/2 semitones, H=half step/1 semitone).

How many notes does the Phrygisch scale have?

The Phrygisch scale has 7 notes.

This is a heptatonic (7-note) scale — the most common type in Western music.

What is the character of the Phrygisch scale?

The Phrygisch scale sounds dark, spanish.

The third mode of the major scale. The distinctive ♭2 gives it a Spanish, flamenco flavor. It is commonly used in Flamenco, metal, EDM, film scores.

What step pattern does the C Phrygisch scale use?

The C Phrygisch scale uses the pattern H–W–W–W–H–W–W.

Starting from C: C, up 1 semitone to C#, up 2 semitones to D#, up 2 semitones to F, up 2 semitones to G, up 1 semitone to G#, up 2 semitones to A#.

Is the C Phrygisch scale major or minor?

The C Phrygisch scale is a minor-type scale — it contains a minor third above the root, giving it a darker, more emotional quality.

How does C Phrygisch relate to other scales?

The Phrygisch scale is a 7-note subset of the natural minor scale.

Its reduced note count makes it highly versatile for improvisation.

How do I practice the C Phrygisch scale on guitar?

Learn the C Phrygisch scale as a box pattern.

Find C on the 6th string, then play the pattern ascending (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 semitones). Practice slowly with a metronome at 60 BPM, then increase by 5 BPM each session. Also learn to play across the neck, not just in one box.

What chords work over the C Phrygisch scale?

Over the C Phrygisch scale, use Cm (i), D# major (♭III), and A# major — diatonic chords of the C minor family.

Every note in the scale works safely over these chords.

How do I use the C Phrygisch scale for improvisation?

Start by playing the C Phrygisch scale notes in sequence to internalize their sound.

Then practice landing on the root (C), third (D#), and fifth (G) on strong beats. Use passing tones between these chord tones. The dark, spanish character of this scale makes it ideal for Flamenco improvisation.

What genres use the C Phrygisch scale?

The C Phrygisch scale is widely used in Flamenco, metal, EDM, film scores.

The third mode of the major scale. The distinctive ♭2 gives it a Spanish, flamenco flavor. Its dark, spanish character fits these musical styles perfectly. Learning this scale in all 12 keys allows you to play in any key within these genres.