Db Phrygian Mode
Db – Ebb – Fb – Gb – Ab – Bbb – Cb
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 Db Phrygian mode is the third mode of the Bbb Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
Db Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | Db4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Ebb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | Fb4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Gb4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | Ab4 | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | Bbb4 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Cb5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | Db5 | P8 |
Db Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the Db Phrygian mode?
Db Phrygian contains: Db, Ebb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bbb, Cb. Third mode of Bbb Major. Enharmonic of C# Phrygian.
How does Db Phrygian differ from Db Natural Minor?
Db Phrygian has Ebb (minor 2nd), Db Natural Minor has Eb (major 2nd).
What is the parent major scale?
Third mode of Bbb Major (enharmonically A Major).
How is Db Phrygian used in music?
Enharmonic C# Phrygian is more common. Flamenco, metal, exotic music.
What chords are built from Db Phrygian?
Dbm, Ebb, Fb, Gbm, Abdim, Bbb, Cbm. The bII over Db minor is the Phrygian cadence.
What songs use Phrygian?
White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane), flamenco, Metallica.
Practice Tips
- Db Phrygian and C# Phrygian are enharmonic.
- The flatted 2nd is the Phrygian signature.
- bII–i cadence defines the sound.
- Practice over a Dbm drone.
- Flamenco and metal applications.
- Compare with Db Aeolian.