B Phrygian Dominant Guitar Scale — Drop C
Guitar scale in Drop C tuning — fretboard diagram
B Phrygian Dominant in Drop C — Notes and Intervals
The B Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Guitar, the notes are B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A. 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: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A
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
Tuning: Drop C (C-G-C-F-A-D)
Also known as: spanish, phrygian major
About Drop C Tuning
Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D) drops every string one whole step below Drop D, delivering a massive, brutal low-end that has defined the sound of modern metalcore, post-hardcore, and nu-metal. The low C string provides earth-shaking power chords with a single finger while maintaining familiar Drop D shapes — just two frets lower.
From System of a Down's iconic riffs to Killswitch Engage's crushing breakdowns, Drop C has become the standard tuning for heavy music that needs to sound bigger than standard Drop D. It bridges the gap between standard guitar territory and the extended range of 7-string guitars, making it accessible to players who want heavier tones without buying a new instrument.
Notable artists: System of a Down, Killswitch Engage, Bullet for My Valentine, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red
Best for: Modern metalcore breakdowns, heavy power chord riffs, nu-metal grooves, and aggressive rhythm playing
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- B Phrygian Dominant in Standard Tuning
- B Phrygian Dominant in Drop D
- B Phrygian Dominant in DADGAD
- B Phrygian Dominant in Open G
- B Phrygian Dominant in Baritone (B Standard)
- B Phrygian Dominant in 7-string
- B Phrygian Dominant in 8-string
- B Phrygian Dominant in Drop B
- B Phrygian Dominant in Open D
- B Phrygian Dominant in Half Step Down
- B Phrygian Dominant in Open E
- B Phrygian Dominant in Open A
- B Phrygian Dominant in Double Drop D
- B Phrygian Dominant in Open C