The G♯ Phrygian scale contains seven notes: G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯, E, and F♯. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern H-W-W-W-H-W-W.
The G♯ Phrygian mode is the third mode of the E Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
G♯ Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | G♯ | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | A | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | B | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | C♯ | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | D♯ | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | E | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | F♯ | m7 |
Diatonic Chords in the G♯ Phrygian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the G♯ Phrygian Mode:
How Phrygian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
G♯ Phrygian uses the same notes as E Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
E Ionian=F♯ Dorian=A♭ Phrygian=A Lydian=B Mixolydian=C♯ Aeolian=E♭ Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the G♯ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| G♯ Dorian | G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ | 8 / 7 |
| G♯ Lydian | G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ | 8 / 7 |
| G♯ Mixolydian | G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ | 8 / 7 |
| G♯ Locrian | G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ | 8 / 7 |
| G♯ Ionian | G♯ – A – B – C♯ | 4 / 7 |
| G♯ Aeolian | G♯ – A – B – C♯ | 4 / 7 |
G♯ Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the G# Phrygian mode?
G# Phrygian is the third mode of its parent major scale. The flatted 2nd is the defining characteristic.
How is G# Phrygian used in music?
G# 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 G# Phrygian?
Diatonic chords are built by stacking thirds from each scale degree. The characteristic chord highlights the mode's unique sound.