C phrygian dominant scale: notes, formula and fretboard

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C phrygian dominant

The C phrygian dominant scale has 7 notes: C, Db, E, F, G, Ab and Bb. Its formula is 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7 and its steps, in tones, are ½ – 1½ – ½ – 1 – ½ – 1 – 1.

The phrygian dominant mode (the "flamenco scale") has an eastern color, with a minor second and a major third. Typical of flamenco and Middle Eastern music.

C phrygian dominant

C Db E F G Ab Bb · 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7

Colored dots: notes of the scale, the root is the darkest.

Notes and intervals

Note

Degree

C

1

Db

b2

E

3

F

4

G

5

Ab

b6

Bb

b7

Chords (triads)

I · C major II · C# major iii° · E diminished iv · F minor v° · G diminished VI+ · Ab augmented vii · Bb minor

Seventh chords

I7 · C7 IImaj7 · C# major 7 iii°7 · E diminished 7 ivmaj7 · F minor major 7 vø7 · G half-diminished VI+ · Ab augmented vii7 · Bb minor 7

Same notes (modes and relatives)

F harmonic minor

Other C scales

C major C natural minor C harmonic minor C melodic minor C major pentatonic C minor pentatonic C blues C dorian C phrygian C lydian

Neighbouring scales (fifth and fourth)

G phrygian dominant F phrygian dominant

Try it in the app

Hear the chords, play them as a progression, switch instrument, note names (Do Ré Mi or C D E) and theme:

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Frequently asked questions

What are the notes of the C phrygian dominant scale?

The notes of the C phrygian dominant scale are C, Db, E, F, G, Ab and Bb.

What is the formula of the phrygian dominant scale?

The formula of the phrygian dominant scale is 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7: it is built with the steps ½ – 1½ – ½ – 1 – ½ – 1 – 1 (in tones).

How many accidentals are in the C phrygian dominant scale?

The C phrygian dominant scale has 3 flats.

Which chords go with the C phrygian dominant scale?

The chords of the C phrygian dominant scale are C major, C# major, E diminished, F minor, G diminished, Ab augmented and Bb minor.

Popular chords

C major G major D major A major E major F major A minor E minor D minor G7 D7 C major 7

Popular scales

C major G major A natural minor A minor pentatonic E minor pentatonic A blues D dorian E phrygian All chords and scales

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