C Phrygian dominant scale on piano
The C Phrygian dominant scale on piano has 7 notes: C, D flat, E, F, G, A flat, and B flat (C, D♭, E, F, G, A♭, B♭). It uses 3 black keys: D♭, A♭, B♭.
- C 1
- D♭ D flat ♭2
- E 3
- F 4
- G 5
- A♭ A flat ♭6
- B♭ B flat ♭7
The highlighted keys are the notes of the scale, with the name and the degree; the tonic (C) has the strongest color. Tap a key to hear the note; "Play" goes up and down. The small dot marks middle C (C4).
Fingering for the C Phrygian dominant scale
This scale has no single fingering in piano method books. A rule that works: never put the thumb on a black key, and pass the thumb right after a black key. Fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little finger.
Formula
- C
- H
- D♭
- 1½W
- E
- H
- F
- W
- G
- H
- A♭
- W
- B♭
- W
- C
Degrees: 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7. Steps: H – 1½W – H – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
About the Phrygian dominant scale
Fifth mode of the harmonic minor. A flamenco and Arabic sound, widely used in metal.
Harmonized scale (chords in the key)
The chords that come from the scale, stacking thirds from each note.
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord |
|---|---|---|
| I | C | C7 |
| II | D♭ | D♭7M |
| III° | E° | E°7 |
| IVm | Fm | Fm(7M) |
| V° | G° | Gm7(b5) |
| VI+ | A♭+ | A♭7M(#5) |
| VIIm | B♭m | B♭m7 |
Arpeggios of these chords on piano
Scales with the same notes
More C scales
- Major
- Natural minor
- Harmonic minor
- Melodic minor
- Major pentatonic
- Minor pentatonic
- Blues
- Major blues
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Locrian
- Nordestina (Brazilian baião)
- Phrygian dominant
- Whole-tone
- Diminished (whole-half)
- Dominant diminished (half-whole)
Phrygian dominant in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the C Phrygian dominant scale?
The notes of the C Phrygian dominant scale are C, D flat, E, F, G, A flat, and B flat. It uses 3 black keys: D♭, A♭, B♭.
What is the formula of the C Phrygian dominant scale?
In degrees: 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7. In steps between notes: H – 1½W – H – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Which chords go with the C Phrygian dominant scale?
The chords of the key are C, D♭, E°, Fm, G°, A♭+, B♭m. Tap each one to see it on the keyboard.