Scale · Ukulele

C♯ Phrygian Scale · Ukulele

C♯DEF♯G♯AB
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Fretboard map · Ukulele

Find every available note across the first 12 frets.

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G4
C4
E4
A4

Notes

C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G♯ · A · B

Root: C♯

Intervals

1 · ♭2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7

How it is built

This scale starts on C♯ and applies the intervals 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.

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Guide and musical context

About C♯ Phrygian Ukulele Scale

C♯ Phrygian Ukulele scale uses the notes C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B. Its character is dark and tense because of its characteristic flat second.

Character and sound

Dark and tense because of its characteristic flat second.

Musical context and history

Modern Phrygian is a minor mode with a flat second. Its name derives from historical modal theory, while contemporary use appears in flamenco, metal, modal jazz and traditional repertoires.

How and where it is used

Use it for minor colors with ♭2, riffs, tonic pedals and modal improvisation.

On ukulele, re-entrant tuning means the physical string order is not simply low to high. That makes the actual fretboard positions and playback especially useful when choosing a fingering. Everything you see and hear on this page comes from the same note set shown above.

Harmonic and musical relationships

This scale can be understood as a mode of the A major scale: it contains the same notes, but C♯ acts as the tonal center. Changing the center changes how the same pitches are perceived.

The formula on this page is 1 · ♭2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7 and, from C♯, produces the notes C♯ · D · E · F♯ · G♯ · A · B.

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the C♯ Phrygian Ukulele scale?

The notes are C♯, D, E, F♯, G♯, A, B.

What is its interval formula?

The formula is 1 · ♭2 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7.

How does it sound and what is it used for?

Dark and tense because of its characteristic flat second. Use it for minor colors with ♭2, riffs, tonic pedals and modal improvisation.

How can I check it on Ukulele?

Use the interactive diagram on this page and press Play or Note by note. The highlighted positions, written notes and playback all use the same pitch collection.