A♭ Phrygian Mode
Hear the A♭ Phrygian Mode played for you.
A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭
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.
A♭ Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | A♭ | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | B𝄫 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E♭ | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | F♭ | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | G♭ | m7 |
How Phrygian Relates to the Major Scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
Mode
Key
A♭ Phrygian uses the same notes as E Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
E Ionian=F♯ Dorian=A♭ Phrygian=A Lydian=B Mixolydian=C♯ Aeolian=E♭ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the A♭ mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
| Parallel Mode | Common Notes | Shared / 7 |
|---|---|---|
| A♭ Dorian | A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Lydian | A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Mixolydian | A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Locrian | A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ | 8 / 7 |
| A♭ Ionian | A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 4 / 7 |
| A♭ Aeolian | A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 4 / 7 |
A♭ 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.
Related Tools
Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.