Phrygian Mode

3rd Mode of Major · H–W–W–W–H–W–W

The third mode of the major scale — a minor scale with a flatted second degree that gives it a dark, exotic, Spanish character. Phrygian is the mode of flamenco, metal, and tension.

View C Phrygian

FormulaH–W–W–W–H–W–W

Scale degrees1–♭2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7

Characteristic noteMinor 2nd (flatted compared to natural minor)

SoundDark, exotic, Spanish, tense

Common inFlamenco, metal, film scores, Middle Eastern music

Famous exampleWherever I May Roam — Metallica (E Phrygian)

The deep reds and crimsons palette on this page is inspired by music-color synesthesia — a neurological phenomenon where people perceive colors when hearing music. Synesthetes commonly associate Phrygian mode with deep reds and crimsons, reflecting its dark, exotic, and tense sound.

About the Phrygian Mode

The C Phrygian mode is the third mode of the Ab Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.

How Phrygian differs from Natural Minor

Only one note changes — the 2nd degree is flatted by a half step. This creates a half-step tension right above the root that gives Phrygian its dark, brooding, Spanish flavor. The ♭II major chord is the hallmark Phrygian sound.

About the Phrygian Mode

Phrygian mode begins on the third degree of the major scale. Its defining feature is the flatted second — a half step above the root — which creates a distinctly dark, exotic, and tense sound. This ♭II chord is immediately recognizable as the source of Phrygian's Spanish and flamenco character.