fuaranScale Mastery
SCALE · ON TUBA

C Phrygian

Minor with a lowered 2nd — Spanish flamenco, dark, modal-jazz colour.

MEIMIDIHumdrum
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Meter:Octave per barCrotchets in 4/4Quavers in 4/4Triplets in 4/4
Engraved by Verovio 6.2.0-43f8060 3 title C Phrygian Verovio
Tempo120 bpm

Audio source: synthesised in-browser via Tone.js (MIT)

FingeringFollows the scale as it plays — written pitch, matches the staff
C1234partial 3
Harmonic seriesTube of the tonic fingering — C sounds partial 3
partial 1 — F0 (+0¢)1partial 2 — F1 (+0¢)2partial 3 — C2 (+2¢)3partial 4 — F2 (+0¢)4partial 5 — A2 (-14¢)5partial 6 — C3 (+2¢)6partial 7 — D♯3 (-31¢)7-31¢partial 8 — F3 (+0¢)8partial 9 — G3 (+4¢)9partial 10 — A3 (-14¢)10partial 11 — B3 (-49¢)11-49¢partial 12 — C4 (+2¢)12
Related scales
Diatonic chord harmonisation
Same scale, other instruments
Same scale, other tonics
Modes built on this tonic
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Theory reference
Questions
What notes are in the C Phrygian scale?

The C Phrygian scale uses the notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭ (one octave; the pattern repeats at higher registers).

What's the Phrygian scale formula?

The Phrygian scale follows the interval pattern H W W W H W W, where W = whole step (2 semitones) and H = half step (1 semitone). Apply that pattern starting on C to get the C Phrygian scale.

What chords work over C Phrygian?

Phrygian works over the bIIImaj7 borrowed-chord vamp and Spanish-flamenco harmonic minor V chord (Phrygian dominant raises the 3rd).

How do I finger C Phrygian on Tuba?

On brass, scales train embouchure + valve / slide coordination across the partials. Slow practice with a tuner reveals intonation tendencies (e.g., the 5th partial sharp on trumpet).

When would I use the Phrygian scale?

Minor with a lowered 2nd — Spanish flamenco, dark, modal-jazz colour.