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 D# Phrygian mode is the third mode of the B 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
E♭ Phrygian uses the same notes as B Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
B Ionian=C♯ Dorian=E♭ Phrygian=E Lydian=F♯ Mixolydian=A♭ Aeolian=B♭ 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 D# Phrygian mode?
D# Phrygian is the third mode of its parent major scale. The flatted 2nd is the defining characteristic.
How is D# Phrygian used in music?
D# Phrygian has a dark, exotic, Spanish sound. Common in flamenco, metal.
What is the characteristic note of Phrygian?
The flatted 2nd distinguishes Phrygian from other modes. This single note defines the mode's character.
What chords are built from D# Phrygian?
Diatonic chords are built by stacking thirds from each scale degree. The characteristic chord highlights the mode's unique sound.
Practice Tips
- The flatted 2nd is the Phrygian signature — listen for it.
- Practice D# Phrygian over appropriate chord vamps.
- Compare with parallel modes to hear the difference.
- Phrygian is common in flamenco, metal.
- Learn the parent major scale relationship.
- Practice in all inversions and positions.
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.