F Phrygian Mode
F – Gb – Ab – Bb – C – Db – Eb
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 F Phrygian mode is the third mode of the Db Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
F Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | F4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | Gb4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | Ab4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | Bb4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | C5 | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | Db5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | Eb5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | F5 | P8 |
F Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the F Phrygian mode?
F Phrygian contains: F, Gb, Ab, Bb, C, Db, Eb. Third mode of Db Major. The flatted 2nd (Gb) defines the exotic character.
How does F Phrygian differ from F Natural Minor?
One note: F Phrygian has Gb (minor 2nd), F Natural Minor has G (major 2nd).
What is the parent major scale?
Third mode of Db Major.
How is F Phrygian used in music?
Flamenco, metal, Middle Eastern music. Works over Fm with Gb Major (bII) cadence.
What chords are built from F Phrygian?
Fm, Gb, Ab, Bbm, Cdim, Db, Ebm. Gb Major → Fm is the Phrygian cadence.
What songs use Phrygian?
White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane), flamenco, metal.
Practice Tips
- Lower G to Gb — hear the Phrygian exoticism.
- Gb Major → Fm (bII–i) is the quintessential cadence.
- Practice over an Fm drone.
- Compare F Phrygian with F Dorian — very different minor flavours.
- Dark, exotic character.
- Metal and flamenco applications.