The C♭ Phrygian scale contains seven notes: C♭, D♭♭, E♭♭, F♭, G♭, A♭♭, and B♭♭. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern H-W-W-W-H-W-W.
The C♭ Phrygian mode is the third mode of the A♭♭ Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
C♭ Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | C♭ | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | D♭♭ | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | E♭♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | F♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | G♭ | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | A♭♭ | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | B♭♭ | m7 |
Diatonic Chords in the C♭ Phrygian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the C♭ Phrygian Mode:
How Phrygian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
C♭ Phrygian uses the same notes as G Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
G Ionian=A Dorian=B Phrygian=C Lydian=D Mixolydian=E Aeolian=F♯ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the C♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| C♭ Dorian | C♭ – D♭♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Lydian | C♭ – D♭♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Mixolydian | C♭ – D♭♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Locrian | C♭ – D♭♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ | 8 / 7 |
| C♭ Aeolian | C♭ – D♭♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ | 5 / 7 |
| C♭ Ionian | C♭ – D♭♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ | 4 / 7 |
C♭ 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.