How to Play a C Phrygian Scale on Piano

Learning to play a C Phrygian scale on piano requires little adjustment if you are already familiar with the Ab major scale. C Phrygian is the third mode of Ab major and thus shares the same key signature. There are four flats (Bb, Eb, Ab, Db) and consists of four black keys and three white keys. Elevating your wrist slightly during this scale will help to increase speed and accuracy, especially at the octave turn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice the scale with your right hand. Place your thumb on C4 to begin. Ascend a minor third interval through C, Db and Eb. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to F4. Continue to ascend the last perfect fifth interval through F, G, Ab, Bb and C. Your thumb should land on C5, one octave higher than the original pitch.

2. Descend the C Phrygian scale with your left hand a perfect fifth interval through C, Bb, Ab, G and F. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to Eb4. Descend the remaining minor third interval through Eb, Db and C. As you pass over each black key keep your finger curled and your wrist elevated. Move your forearm in perfect perpendicular motion to the keyboard as you move up and down the scale.

3. Focus on your right hand. Place your pinkie finger on C3. Ascend a perfect fifth interval through C, Db, Eb, F and G. Cross your middle finger over your thumb to Ab3. Ascend the last major third interval through Ab, Bb and C. Your thumb should be last to touch C4.

4. Descend the C Phrygian scale with your left hand. Come down a major third interval through C, Bb and Ab. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to G3. Continue to descend the last perfect fifth interval through G, F, Eb, Db and C. Your pinkie should be last to depress C3, the original pitch. Your last two fingers to touch (ringer finger on Db and pinkie finger on C) will be your weakest fingers. Oscillate between these two notes a few times before proceeding.

5. Practice the scale with both hands at the same time. The C Phrygian scale both sounds and looks like a C natural minor scale with an added flat ninth (Db). This added note makes it easier to naturally curl your fingers as you glide both up and down the octave. Play this scale at an initial tempo of no more than 80 beats per minute. Increase the tempo to no more than 175 beats per minute.