C♭ Phrygian Mode

Hear the C♭ Phrygian Mode played for you.

C♭ – D𝄫 – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A𝄫 – B𝄫

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.

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

How Phrygian Relates to the Major Scale

Mode

Key

B 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.

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.