Interactive piano keyboard showing A Phrygian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
A phrygian (A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G) has one flat in its key signature and its flattened 2nd (B♭) creates the dark, brooding tension that defines the phrygian sound. Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe" uses A phrygian for its heavy, menacing riff. It is a staple of metal, progressive rock, and flamenco.
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.
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.
The diatonic chords in A Phrygian are: Am, Bb, C, Dm, Edim, F, Gm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Phrygian?
A phrygian (A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G) has one flat in its key signature and its flattened 2nd (B♭) creates the dark, brooding tension that defines the phrygian sound. Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe" uses A phrygian for its heavy, menacing riff. It is a staple of metal, progressive rock, and flamenco.
What notes are in the A Phrygian?
The A Phrygian contains the notes: A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G. This is a 7-note scale starting from A.
How many chords does the A Phrygian have?
The A Phrygian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Am, Bb, C, Dm, Edim, F, Gm.
What is the formula for the Phrygian?
The Phrygian follows the interval formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Page detail levelSimple keeps pages short: extra theory and advanced controls stay tucked away until you open them. Everything shows every section and control at once.
Position in circle of fifths
A is at the 3 o'clock position. Related keys: E (dominant), D (subdominant), F# (relative minor), B (supertonic), G (subtonic).