A piano reference: chords, scales, theory & ear training.
/
Mode · Reference entry
C Phrygian Mode
Phrygian mode · C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭ · intervals P1-m2-m3-P4-P5-m6-m7-P8
The C Phrygian Mode contains the notes C, D♭, E♭, F, G, A♭, and B♭. Its step pattern is H-W-W-W-H-W-W. A minor scale with a flatted 2nd — Spanish-tinged and exotic, the foundation of flamenco harmony.
Maintained for accuracy · Last updated July 2026 · How we review
Flashcards · Scale
Three questions on C Phrygian Mode
Answer on the keyboard, not with buttons. No login required.
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
Key Signature
The C Phrygian Mode draws its notes from Ab Major, so it is written with that key signature: 4 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭, D♭).
B♭E♭A♭D♭
Order of flats
Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.
B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭
Mnemonic:Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father
Diatonic Chords in the C Phrygian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the C Phrygian Mode:
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.
C Phrygian contains: C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb. It is the third mode of Ab Major. The formula is H–W–W–W–H–W–W. The flatted 2nd (Db) is the defining characteristic — it creates the exotic, dark sound.
How does C Phrygian differ from C Natural Minor?
One note: C Phrygian has Db (minor 2nd), C Natural Minor has D (major 2nd). That lowered 2nd gives Phrygian its exotic, Spanish-sounding character.
What is the parent major scale of C Phrygian?
C Phrygian is the third mode of Ab Major. Same seven notes with C as tonal centre.
How is C Phrygian used in music?
Phrygian defines flamenco guitar, metal, and Middle Eastern-influenced music. The Db–C half-step movement is one of the most recognisable sounds in world music. Also used in film scoring for tension and exoticism.
What chords are built from C Phrygian?
Cm, Db, Eb, Fm, Gdim, Ab, Bbm. The bII chord (Db Major) over C minor is the hallmark Phrygian sound — the movement Db→Cm defines flamenco.
What songs use the Phrygian mode?
White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane) uses Phrygian. Flamenco music is built on Phrygian harmony. Metal bands like Metallica use Phrygian for its dark, heavy character.