A Phrygian Mode
A – Bb – 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 A Phrygian mode is the third mode of the F 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 | A4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Bb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | C5 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | D5 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | E5 | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | F5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | G5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | A5 | P8 |
A Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the A Phrygian mode?
A Phrygian contains: A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G. Third mode of F Major. The flatted 2nd (Bb) defines the exotic character.
How does A Phrygian differ from A Natural Minor?
One note: A Phrygian has Bb (minor 2nd), A Natural Minor has B (major 2nd).
What is the parent major scale?
Third mode of F Major.
How is A Phrygian used in music?
Common in flamenco and metal. A Phrygian over Am with Bb Major (bII) cadence. Also used in film scoring.
What chords are built from A Phrygian?
Am, Bb, C, Dm, Edim, F, Gm. Bb Major → Am is the cadence.
What songs use Phrygian?
White Rabbit, flamenco, Metallica.
Practice Tips
- Lower B to Bb — hear the Phrygian exoticism over A minor.
- Bb Major → Am (bII–i) is the quintessential cadence.
- A Phrygian is common in metal — the A–Bb half step is iconic.
- Practice over an Am drone.
- Nearly all white keys plus Bb — easy to play.
- Compare with A Dorian and A Aeolian — three minor flavours.