C Phrygian scale

The notes of the C Phrygian scale on a piano, the chords that belong to it, and how it sounds. Press play to hear it, tap a key or a chord, and download the scale as MIDI.

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C1Dbb2Ebb3F4G5Abb6Bbb7

Steps: H W W W H W W (W = whole step, H = half step)

Chords in C Phrygian

Each chord on its own page: Cm · Db · Eb · Fm · Gdim · Ab · Bbm

Tap a chord to hear it.

How C Phrygian sounds

A minor scale with a lowered 2nd. The half step above the root gives it a dark, tense, Spanish flavour.

Used in: Techno, dark minimal, metal and flamenco.

Same notes, different root: Ab major, F minor, Bb Dorian, Db Lydian, Eb Mixolydian.

For the low end: the root of C Phrygian is C and the fifth is G. A kick or 808 tuned to one of them sits with the bass; the kick drum tuning chart has the frequencies.

Write chords in this scale with the chord progression generator, or a melody in the synth.

Other phrygian scales

Play this scale with VISIONS OF TOMORROW →71 Serum 2 presets for house and techno: leads, pads, plucks, keys and basses to write in any scale. $29.

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Questions

What notes are in the C Phrygian scale?

C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb.

What chords are in C Phrygian?

Cm, Db, Eb, Fm, Gdim, Ab, Bbm.

What is the formula for the phrygian scale?

1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7, or in steps: H W W W H W W (W is a whole step, H a half step).

Which scales have the same notes as C Phrygian?

Ab major, F minor, Bb Dorian, Db Lydian, Eb Mixolydian. They use the same seven notes, starting from a different root.