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 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	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

Mode

Key

A Phrygian uses the same notes as F Major

Relative modes — all share the same notes

F Ionian=G Dorian=A Phrygian=B♭ Lydian=C Mixolydian=D 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 – E	5 / 7
A Aeolian	A – B♭ – C – D – E	5 / 7

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.