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Piano scale

B Phrygian Mode

The B Phrygian Mode has 7 notes: B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A.

  1. B
    1
  2. C
    2
  3. D
    3
  4. E
    4
  5. F♯
    5
  6. G
    6
  7. A
    7

Notes of the B Phrygian Mode

DegreeNotesIntervalsFormula
1BRoot1
2CMinor 2nd♭2
3DMinor 3rd♭3
4EPerfect 4th4
5F♯Perfect 5th5
6GMinor 6th♭6
7AMinor 7th♭7

Step pattern

H – W – W – W – H – W – W

From the root to the octave the scale moves in this pattern: H – W – W – W – H – W – W.

W = whole step (2 semitones), H = half step (1 semitone), W+H = 3 semitones

Sound and character

Start on the 3rd degree of major — the distinctive ♭2 creates an instantly Spanish or flamenco sound. Also beloved in metal for its darkness.

Sound: Spanish & dark

Chords in the B Phrygian Mode

Stack every other note of the scale on each degree to get its chords.

DegreeTriads7th chords
iBmBm7
IICCmaj7
IIIDD7
ivEmEm7
v°F♯dimF♯m7♭5
VIGGmaj7
viiAmAm7

How to use it

Emphasise the half step between the 1st and 2nd notes to get the flamenco and metal flavour. It works over a minor chord on the root.

B Phrygian Mode uses the same notes as the G Major scale, starting from a different note.

Songs that use it

  • Wherever I May Roam · Metallica
    Metal
  • White Zombie · Rob Zombie
    Metal
  • Flamenco Sketches · Miles Davis
    Jazz

Play the B Phrygian Mode with different sounds in the interactive builder.

Open in the chord builder

Practising on an acoustic piano that sounds off?

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