D♭ Phrygian Mode
Hear the D♭ Phrygian Mode played for you.
D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭
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.
D♭ Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | D♭ | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | E𝄫 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | F♭ | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | G♭ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | A♭ | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | B𝄫 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | C♭ | m7 |
How Phrygian Relates to the Major Scale
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
C#
D#
F#
G#
A#
Mode
Key
C♯ Phrygian uses the same notes as A Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
A Ionian=B Dorian=C♯ Phrygian=D Lydian=E Mixolydian=F♯ Aeolian=A♭ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the D♭ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| D♭ Dorian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Lydian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Mixolydian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Locrian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B𝄫 – C♭ – D♭ | 8 / 7 |
| D♭ Ionian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ | 4 / 7 |
| D♭ Aeolian | D♭ – E𝄫 – F♭ – G♭ | 4 / 7 |
D♭ 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.
Related Tools
Circle of FifthsVisualize key relationships, relative minors, and key signatures.Chord FinderLook up any chord — see the notes, hear it, and play along.Practice RoomPlug in a MIDI keyboard and get real-time feedback on every chord and scale.Chord DrillTimed drills to build speed and recognition across all chord types.MIDI MonitorLive MIDI message stream with note names, velocity, and a scrolling staff.