Chords in C Phrygian Mode

DarkSpanishTense

Phrygian’s flattened 2nd degree gives it an instantly recognizable Spanish, Middle Eastern, and flamenco character. Metal bands use it for dark, aggressive riffs ("Wherever I May Roam" by Metallica), while film composers deploy it for exotic atmosphere. The half-step from i to ♭II is its defining tension.

Transpose to any key, progressions & circle of fifths

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Formula

H-W-W-W-H-W-W

Semitones: 1-2-2-2-1-2-2

Key Signature

DbEbAbBb

4 flats

Explore

Phrygian Mode in the glossary Key Explorer tool Browse all C chords Chord Flashcards Ear Training Metronome

Characteristic Sound

The flattened 2nd gives Phrygian its Spanish and flamenco character — this half-step from the root creates immediate dark tension not found in any other standard mode. It is the go-to scale for exotic, ominous atmosphere.

Key intervals:♭2

Mode Family

Diatonic Mode Family

The seven diatonic modes — parallel modes starting from the same root with different interval patterns. Each mode has a unique character derived from the major scale.

Notes:

CDbEbFGAbBb

Scales with similar note sets — useful for exploring substitutions and modal interchange.

♮2 substitutionNatural Minor Scale (Aeolian)♭5 substitutionLocrian Mode 5-note subsetMinor Pentatonic Scale 5 notes sharedBlues Scale 2 notes differentHarmonic Minor Scale

Chromatic Mediant Relationships

Chords a third away from the root — not diatonic to this scale. Common in film scoring and jazz.

M3 ↑

EE Em

m3 ↓

AA Am

Phrygian Mode scale FAQ

What chords are in C Phrygian Mode?

The diatonic chords in C Phrygian Mode are: Cm, C#, Eb, Fm, Gdim, Ab, Bbm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.

What is the Phrygian Mode?

Phrygian is a minor mode with a flattened 2nd degree, giving it a dark, Spanish, and flamenco character. The half-step between the 1st and 2nd degrees creates immediate tension. Used extensively in metal, flamenco, and film scores.

What notes are in the C Phrygian Mode?

The C Phrygian Mode contains the notes: C, Db, Eb, F, G, Ab, Bb. This is a 7-note scale starting from C.

How many chords does the C Phrygian Mode have?

The C Phrygian Mode produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Cm, C#, Eb, Fm, Gdim, Ab, Bbm.

What is the formula for the Phrygian Mode?

The Phrygian Mode follows the interval formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W (W = whole step, H = half step).