C# Phrygian Ukulele Scale

Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate

What chords fit over C# Phrygian?

C# Phrygian Scale — Notes and Intervals

The C# Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Ukulele, its notes are C#, D, E, F#, G#, A, B. It has a strong Spanish or ethnic flavor, making it the definitive sound of Flamenco. In modern contexts, it is widely used in heavy metal to create an aggressive, brooding atmosphere. The diatonic chords of C# Phrygian are C#m7, DMaj7, E7, F#m7, G#m7b5, AMaj7, Bm7. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern. Notable players include Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia. 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.

Notes: C#, D, E, F#, G#, A, B

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m

Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

Formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W

Number of notes: 7

Diatonic Chords

C♯m7 — DMaj7 — E7 — F♯m7 — G♯m7♭5 — AMaj7 — Bm7

Musical Character

DarkAggressiveUrgentExotic

The b2 interval from the root creates an immediate sense of tension and 'danger'. This single semitone is what gives Phrygian its unmistakable flamenco/metal character.

Genres & Notable Artists

Genres: Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern

Notable players: Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia

How to Use the C# Phrygian 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.

Origin & Background

Named after the ancient Phrygians of Anatolia. Became the sound of Spanish guitar and modern extreme metal.

How to Play C# Phrygian on Ukulele

On ukulele, find C# on the open strings or work through the scale within a four-fret span. You may need to shift positions once to cover all 7 notes. Practice each position separately before linking them together.

The C# Phrygian scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). Its relative major is E major, which shares the same key signature.

Practice Routine

Practice the C# Phrygian scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.

Try these progressions with the C# Phrygian scale: C#m7 - F#m7 - G#m7b5 - C#m7 (I-IV-V-I) or C#m7 - DMaj7 - F#m7 - G#m7b5 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in metal contexts.

Ukulele Tips

On ukulele, the C# Phrygian scale sounds particularly charming when played as a melodic pattern over fingerpicked chord shapes. Try integrating scale tones into your strumming patterns for a more sophisticated sound. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.

Related Scales

Phrygian is the 3rd mode of the Major scale. View C# Major scale

The C# Phrygian scale contains 7 notes (C#, D, E, F#, G#, A, B). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.

CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Phrygian

The C# Phrygian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.

Explore C# Phrygian Further

Explore C# Phrygian in Other Tunings

C# Phrygian in Baritone (E-B-G-D)

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