Ab Phrygian Mode
Ab – Bbb – Cb – Db – Eb – Fb – Gb
Formula:H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Intervals:P1-m2-m3-P4-P5-m6-m7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-♭2-♭3-4-5-♭6-♭7-8
Introduction
The Ab Phrygian mode is the third mode of the Fb Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
Ab Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | Ab4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Bbb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | Cb5 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Db5 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | Eb5 | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | Fb5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Gb5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | Ab5 | P8 |
Ab Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Ab Phrygian mode?
Ab Phrygian contains: Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb. Third mode of Fb Major.
How does Ab Phrygian differ from Ab Natural Minor?
Ab Phrygian has Bbb (minor 2nd), Ab Natural Minor has Bb (major 2nd).
What is the parent major scale?
Third mode of Fb Major (enharmonically E Major).
How is Ab Phrygian used in music?
Flamenco, metal, exotic music. Works over Abm with bII cadence.
What chords are built from Ab Phrygian?
Abm, Bbb, Cb, Dbm, Ebdim, Fb, Gbm. bII–i cadence.
What songs use Phrygian?
White Rabbit, flamenco, metal.
Practice Tips
- The flatted 2nd (Bbb/A) is the signature.
- bII–i cadence over Ab minor.
- Practice over an Abm drone.
- Mostly black keys — distinctive shape.
- Compare with Ab Dorian and Aeolian.
- Dark, exotic character.