Phrygian Mode

1-b2-b3-4-5-b6-b7

The "Phrygian Mode" is a musical mode in Western music, belonging to the seven church modes. It is often recognized for its exotic and mysterious quality.

In the Phrygian mode, each note is assigned a specific degree within the scale, following the pattern: half, whole, whole, whole, half, whole, whole (1-b2-b3-4-5-b6-b7). For example, in the key of C Phrygian, the corresponding note names and pitches are: C (root), D♭ (minor second), E♭ (minor third), F (fourth), G (fifth), A♭ (minor sixth), B♭ (minor seventh), and C (octave).

What sets the Phrygian mode apart is its minor quality but with a unique characteristic: the lowered second degree compared to the natural minor scale. This lowered second gives the mode its distinctive Eastern or Spanish flavor, contributing to its exotic sound. The Phrygian mode is often associated with flamenco music, metal, and certain forms of progressive rock, as it can create a dark and intense atmosphere.

Example of Phrygian Mode

Songs that use the Phrygian mode

Common Related Scales

TonalitySolfège
MajorDo Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do
Harmonic Minor
La Ti Do Re Mi Fa Si(#) La
Melodic Minor (A)La Ti Do Re Mi Fi(#) Si(#) La
Melodic Minor (D)La So Fa Mi Re Do Ti La
Natural Minor
La Ti Do Re Mi Fa So La
Pentatonic
Do Re Mi So La