C phrygian scale diatonic chords
C phrygian scale seventh chords
scale
Fretboard diagram
C phrygian scale — chords and intervals
The harmonized C phrygian scale creates a dark, brooding chord family defined by the bII major chord a half step above the tonic. This unique neighbor chord is the harmonic signature of Phrygian music. The chords of C phrygian are Cm7, DbMaj7, Eb7, Fm7, Gm7b5, AbMaj7, Bbm7. The i-bII oscillation is the foundation of Flamenco and metal's Phrygian sound. Use the bVII as a power chord passing tone and the bVI for dramatic descending bass lines. The overall chord family conveys tension, gravity, and dark passion. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern. Notable players include Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia.
The C phrygian scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.
Intervals: H-W-W-W-H-W-W.
Diatonic chords: Cm7, DbMaj7, Eb7, Fm7, Gm7b5, AbMaj7, Bbm7.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | Cm7 |
| ii | DbMaj7 |
| iii | Eb7 |
| IV | Fm7 |
| V | Gm7b5 |
| vi | AbMaj7 |
| vii° | Bbm7 |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (Cm7) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (DbMaj7) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (Eb7) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (Fm7) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (Gm7b5) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (AbMaj7) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (Bbm7) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C phrygian scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C phrygian scale on guitar.
phrygian is the 3rd mode of the Major scale. View C Major scale
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over sus(b9), m7 chords in Phrygian contexts. Often played over a droning root note or power chord. The b2 → 1 resolution is the mode's signature move.