Eb Phrygian Mode

Eb – Fb – Gb – Ab – Bb – Cb – Db
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 Eb Phrygian mode is the third mode of the Cb Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.

Eb Phrygian Mode Notes

DegreeNameNoteInterval
1TonicEb4P1
♭2SupertonicFb4m2
♭3MediantGb4m3
4SubdominantAb4P4
5DominantBb4P5
♭6SubmediantCb5m6
♭7Leading ToneDb5m7
8OctaveEb5P8

Eb Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the Eb Phrygian mode?

Eb Phrygian contains: Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db. Third mode of Cb Major.

How does Eb Phrygian differ from Eb Natural Minor?

Eb Phrygian has Fb (minor 2nd), Eb Natural Minor has F (major 2nd).

What is the parent major scale?

Third mode of Cb Major (enharmonically B Major).

How is Eb Phrygian used in music?

Flamenco, metal, exotic music. Works over Ebm with bII cadence.

What chords are built from Eb Phrygian?

Ebm, Fb, Gb, Abm, Bbdim, Cb, Dbm. Fb Major → Ebm is the cadence.

What songs use Phrygian?

White Rabbit, flamenco, metal.

Practice Tips

  • The flatted 2nd (Fb/E) is the signature.
  • bII–i cadence over Eb minor.
  • Practice over an Ebm drone.
  • All flats — distinctive shape.
  • Compare with Eb Dorian and Aeolian.
  • Exotic, dark character.