C# Phrygian dominant
The 5th mode of harmonic minor, with a major 3rd and minor 2nd above the tonic; it combines dominant function with an augmented 2nd.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- C# Phrygian dominant
- Family
- Harmonic scales
- Note count
- 7
- Step formula
- H – W+H – H – W – H – W – W
- Numeric formula
- 0-1-3-1-2-1-2-2
Notes & degrees
1C#root
b2Dminor 2nd
3E#major 3rd
4F#perfect 4th
5G#perfect 5th
b6Aminor 6th
b7Bminor 7th
Construction
- Overview
- The 5th mode of harmonic minor, with a major 3rd and minor 2nd above the tonic; it combines dominant function with an augmented 2nd.
- Application in music
- The 5th mode of harmonic minor; used over V7 in minor and found in flamenco and related styles.
- Interval formula
- C#HDWHE#HF#WG#HAWB
Chords by degree
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IC#point of resttonic
IIIE#defines modal qualitythird
VG#supports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
IIIE#E#
IVF#F#
In a dominant context, scale degree 4 normally descends by step to 3.
IC#C#
IIDD
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how C# Phrygian dominant looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.