Mode
Phrygian Mode
The Phrygian mode is the third mode of the major scale, a minor scale with a lowered second that gives it a dark, exotic, tense sound.
Each key below opens the full reference entry — keyboard diagram, audio, fingerings, and notation.
Formula: H–W–W–W–H–W–W
Scale degrees: 1–♭2–♭3–4–5–♭6–♭7
Characteristic note: Minor 2nd (flatted compared to natural minor)
Sound: Dark, exotic, Spanish, tense
Common in: Flamenco, metal, film scores, Middle Eastern music
Famous example: Wherever I May Roam — Metallica (E Phrygian)
How Phrygian differs from Natural Minor Only one note changes — the 2nd degree is flatted by a half step. This creates a half-step tension right above the root that gives Phrygian its dark, brooding, Spanish flavor. The ♭II major chord is the hallmark Phrygian sound.
About the Phrygian Mode
Phrygian mode begins on the third degree of the major scale. Its defining feature is the flatted second — a half step above the root — which creates a distinctly dark, exotic, and tense sound. This ♭II chord is immediately recognizable as the source of Phrygian's Spanish and flamenco character.
The C Phrygian mode is the third mode of the Ab Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
How Phrygian differs from Natural Minor Only one note changes — the 2nd degree is flatted by a half step. This creates a half-step tension right above the root that gives Phrygian its dark, brooding, Spanish flavor. The ♭II major chord is the hallmark Phrygian sound.
Musical Characteristics
- Minor quality with a flatted (minor) 2nd — the most distinctive interval
- Extremely dark, exotic, and Spanish-sounding
- The ♭II chord creates the signature "Phrygian" move
- Works over minor chords with ♭II tension
Common Uses
- Flamenco guitar and Spanish music
- Metal and progressive rock (dark, heavy passages)
- Middle Eastern and film music
- Tense, unresolved passages in classical music
Common Chord Progressions
Phrygian cadence
i – ♭II
Flamenco vamp
i – ♭VII – ♭VI – ♭II
Metal riff
i – ♭II – i – ♭VII
Famous Examples in Music
- "Wherever I May Roam" — Metallica
- "Phantom of the Opera" theme — Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Flamenco guitar traditions
- "Hocus Pocus" — Focus
Browse by key
All 18 spellings, ♯ and ♭ keys listed separately.
Phrygian in All 18 Keys
C PhrygianNotes: C – D♭ – E♭ – F – G – A♭ – B♭C♯ PhrygianNotes: C♯ – D – E – F♯ – G♯ – A – BD♭ PhrygianNotes: D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭D PhrygianNotes: D – E♭ – F – G – A – B♭ – CD♯ PhrygianNotes: D♯ – E – F♯ – G♯ – A♯ – B – C♯E♭ PhrygianNotes: E♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C♭ – D♭E PhrygianNotes: E – F – G – A – B – C – DF PhrygianNotes: F – G♭ – A♭ – B♭ – C – D♭ – E♭F♯ PhrygianNotes: F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D – EG♭ PhrygianNotes: G♭ – A♭♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭♭ – F♭G PhrygianNotes: G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – FG♯ PhrygianNotes: G♯ – A – B – C♯ – D♯ – E – F♯A♭ PhrygianNotes: A♭ – B♭♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F♭ – G♭A PhrygianNotes: A – B♭ – C – D – E – F – GA♯ PhrygianNotes: A♯ – B – C♯ – D♯ – E♯ – F♯ – G♯B♭ PhrygianNotes: B♭ – C♭ – D♭ – E♭ – F – G♭ – A♭B PhrygianNotes: B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – AC♭ PhrygianNotes: C♭ – D♭♭ – E♭♭ – F♭ – G♭ – A♭♭ – B♭♭
Want the full theory? How all seven modes relate, the bright-to-dark spectrum, characteristic notes, and practice strategies.Read the Modes Guide ›