Cb Phrygian Mode
Cb – Dbb – Ebb – Fb – Gb – Abb – Bbb
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 Cb Phrygian mode is the third mode of the Abb Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
Cb Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | Cb4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Dbb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | Ebb4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Fb4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | Gb4 | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | Abb4 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Bbb4 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | Cb5 | P8 |
Cb Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Cb Phrygian mode?
Cb Phrygian is the enharmonic equivalent of B Phrygian. Same notes: Cb/B, Dbb/C, Ebb/D, Fb/E, Gb/F#, Abb/G, Bbb/A.
How does Cb Phrygian differ from Cb Natural Minor?
Cb Phrygian has Dbb (minor 2nd), Cb Natural Minor has Db (major 2nd).
What is the parent major scale?
Third mode of Abb Major (enharmonically G Major).
How is Cb Phrygian used in music?
Musicians use B Phrygian in practice.
What songs use Phrygian?
Sound identical regardless of spelling.
Do I need to learn both spellings?
Cb Phrygian and B Phrygian are the same sound. Learn B Phrygian and understand the enharmonic relationship.
Practice Tips
- Cb Phrygian and B Phrygian are enharmonic.
- Translate to B Phrygian for easier reading.
- Keyboard notes identical.
- Understanding both spellings builds key fluency.
- The flatted 2nd defines the sound regardless of spelling.
- Compare with Cb Dorian.