Position 3 of 7 · Phrygian Mode · Key of C

C Phrygian Mode

Spanish/Flamenco scale

The C Phrygian is the 3rd mode of the C Major scale. It has a dark, tense, spanish, flamenco, exotic, mysterious character. On guitar it appears at Position 3 in the fretboard pattern — root note C.

Notes in the C Phrygian

C · C# · D# · F · G · G# · A#

Step Formula

W = Whole step (2 frets) · H = Half step (1 fret)

H W W W H W W

Intervals

1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7

Sound CharacterDark, tense, Spanish, Flamenco, exotic, mysterious

Parent Major ScaleC Major — C Phrygian shares the same notes as C Major but starts on C

Best Used InFlamenco, Metal, Spanish Music, Film Scores

Famous ExamplesFlamenco guitar, White Zombie, Metallica, Spanish classical

Key insight: The ♭2 (half step from root) defines Phrygian. That single interval creates the Spanish/Middle Eastern tension.

The 5 Missing Notes™ — Beyond C Phrygian

The C Phrygian is one of 7 diatonic modes in the Dead Sea Scales system. Using the 5 Missing Notes™ framework, each mode generates 7 extended variations — giving you access to all 42 total modes in any key including C.

Same Mode, Every Key

The Phrygian pattern is identical in every key — the formula never changes. Explore the same mode in other keys:

Hear the C Phrygian on a live fretboard

Select key C · Mode Phrygian · Play notes with audio · See all 42 exotic variations

Open Free Interactive Tool →

C Phrygian Mode

Notes in the C Phrygian

Step Formula

Intervals

The 5 Missing Notes™ — Beyond C Phrygian

Same Mode, Every Key

Hear the C Phrygian on a live fretboard

DEEP DIVES