C# Phrygian Dominant Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
C# Phrygian Dominant Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Piano, the notes are C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, B. It sounds exotic, passionate, and aggressive, and is a favorite for metal guitarists and composers of high-drama scores. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores. Notable players include Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola. Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Notes: C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, B
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: spanish, phrygian major
Musical Character
The major 3rd within a Phrygian framework (b2, b6, b7) creates a scale that sounds simultaneously 'eastern' and 'powerful'. The b2-3 interval (augmented 2nd) is its signature exotic leap.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores
Notable players: Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola
How to Use the C# Phrygian Dominant Scale
Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Origin & Background
The 5th mode of harmonic minor. The definitive sound of flamenco guitar, klezmer music, and Middle Eastern traditions.
How to Play C# Phrygian Dominant on Piano
On piano, the C# Phrygian Dominant scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on C# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The C# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). Its relative major is F major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the C# Phrygian Dominant scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (C#-F, D-F#) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Phrygian Dominant scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in flamenco contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the C# Phrygian Dominant scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a exotic quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Phrygian Dominant is the 5th mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View C# Harmonic minor scale
The C# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 7 notes (C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, B). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.