Cm chord with C Phrygian scale

Pairing the Cm chord (Minor) with the C Phrygian scale: formulas, fretboard voicings and the practical context for soloing, improvisation and songwriting.

Cm chord formula

Interval formula: 1 b3 5. A minor triad — root, minor 3rd and 5th. Stable, but darker and sadder than a major.

C Phrygian scale formula

Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. Classification: modal.

Fretboard voicings for Cm

Curated Cm shapes that sit naturally inside the C Phrygian scale.

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Cm — C shape, frets 0–4
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Cm — A shape, frets 2–6
XX51b35456789
Cm — G shape, frets 4–9
1b351517891011
Cm — E shape, frets 7–11
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Cm — D shape, frets 9–14

Other scales for Cm

Compare how the same chord behaves over other compatible modes.

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