C Phrygian Scale

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Summary

C Phrygian contains 7 notes: C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭. It has 4 flats: D♭, E♭, A♭, B♭. The step pattern is H–W–W–W–H–W–W. It is the 3rd mode of A♭ Major, meaning it shares the same notes but starts on C.

A dark, heavy minor mode with a distinctive Spanish or Middle Eastern flavor. That flat 2nd note — just a half step above the root — gives it an exotic, almost menacing quality. Huge in flamenco and metal.

Theory

The formula is 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7. The defining feature is that b2, which creates a half-step tension right against the root. This interval is what gives it the instant 'Spanish' sound. The b2 naturally wants to resolve down to the root, creating a distinctive melodic pull called the Phrygian cadence.

On the guitar

Played starting from the 3rd degree of the major scale. It works great over minor chords and power chords, especially when you emphasize that root-to-b2 movement on the low strings. The open low E string is a natural home for Phrygian riffs — many classic metal intros live right there.

Advanced

In flamenco, the movement from the flat-2nd chord down to the root chord is the fundamental harmonic engine. Metal bands like Metallica use the same movement with power chords for aggressive riffs. Try alternating between the root and the b2 as a pedal tone — it's the quickest way to establish a Phrygian sound.

Step pattern H – W – W – W – H – W – W