G Phrygian Mode: Piano Notes & Scale Pattern

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

Steps:: 1-2-2-2-1-2-2
Pattern:: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Notes:: Seven-note scale

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	Subtonic	F	m7

How to Play the G Phrygian Mode

Practice the G Phrygian Mode hands separately at a slow, steady tempo before putting them together. Aim for even rhythm and a relaxed wrist. The goal is a smooth, connected line where every note sounds the same length and volume. Once both hands feel comfortable on their own, layer them at the same slow tempo and only speed up when the joined version is clean.

Right Hand (RH)

Place your right hand over the keys with the thumb on the root. Use the fingering: 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 (1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = pinky).

Watch for the thumb tuck: the thumb (1) passes under your fingers at note 4. Keep your wrist level and quiet. Only the thumb moves under, the hand stays in place above the keys.

Two octaves (RH): 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5

Left Hand (LH)

For the left hand, start with your pinky on the root. Use the fingering: 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1

Watch for the crossover: a long finger (3 or 4) crosses over the thumb at note 6. Lift the long finger over cleanly without disturbing the thumb. Descending the scale, the thumb will pass under at the same spots in reverse.

Two octaves (LH): 5-4-3-2-1-3-2-1-4-3-2-1-3-2-1

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 Aeolian	G – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F	6 / 7
G Locrian	G – A♭ – B♭ – C – E♭ – F	6 / 7
G Dorian	G – B♭ – C – D – F	5 / 7
G Mixolydian	G – C – D – F	4 / 7
G Ionian	G – C – D	3 / 7
G Lydian	G – D	2 / 7

Key Signature

The G Phrygian Mode draws its notes from E♭ Major, so it is written with that key signature: 3 flats (B♭, E♭, A♭).

B♭E♭A♭

Order of flats

Flats are added in a fixed order — the reverse of the sharp order. Each new flat key adds the next flat on the list.

B♭E♭A♭D♭G♭C♭F♭

Mnemonic: Battle Ends And Down Goes Charles’ Father

Diatonic Chords in the G Phrygian Mode

These are the triads built on each degree of the G Phrygian Mode:

i — G Minor (minor)

Degree	Numeral	Chord	Quality
1	i	G Minor	Minor
2	II	A♭ Major	Major
3	III	B♭ Major	Major
4	iv	C Minor	Minor
5	v°	D Diminished	Diminished
6	VI	E♭ Major	Major
7	vii	F Minor	Minor

G Phrygian Mode Properties

Stability: One note in G Phrygian Mode has no perfect fifth above it within the scale, giving the scale a small asymmetry that defines its leading quality.
Semitone steps: G Phrygian Mode has 2 adjacent semitone steps, creating the close chromatic movement that shapes its character.
Brightness: Brightness score: 35. Higher numbers indicate a brighter, sharper sound.
Symmetry: G Phrygian Mode has no transposition symmetry: shifting every note by the same number of semitones produces a different set of notes.
Interval profile: [2, 5, 4, 3, 6, 1](semitone pairs, step pairs, thirds, fourths, fifths, tritone pairs)
Complement: 5 notes outside this scale

Related modes and scales sharing the same 7 notes:

G Phrygian Mode : Frequently Asked Questions

What notes are in the G Phrygian mode?

G Phrygian contains: G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb, F. Third mode of Eb Major. The flatted 2nd (Ab) defines the exotic character.

How does G Phrygian differ from G Natural Minor?

One note: G Phrygian has Ab (minor 2nd), G Natural Minor has A (major 2nd).

What is the parent major scale?

Third mode of Eb Major.

How is G Phrygian used in music?

Flamenco, metal, film scoring. Works over Gm with Ab Major (bII) cadence.

What chords are built from G Phrygian?

Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm. Ab Major → Gm is the cadence.

What songs use Phrygian?

White Rabbit, flamenco, metal.