Interactive piano keyboard showing Ab Phrygian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
A♭ phrygian is a rare, deeply exotic scale whose flattened 2nd creates intense Spanish and flamenco tension. It is enharmonically equivalent to G♯ phrygian (G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯), which is more commonly used by guitarists and jazz musicians. A♭ phrygian appears in film scoring and avant-garde composition.
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 Ab Phrygian are: Abm, A, B, Dbm, Ebdim, E, Gbm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Phrygian?
A♭ phrygian is a rare, deeply exotic scale whose flattened 2nd creates intense Spanish and flamenco tension. It is enharmonically equivalent to G♯ phrygian (G♯, A, B, C♯, D♯, E, F♯), which is more commonly used by guitarists and jazz musicians. A♭ phrygian appears in film scoring and avant-garde composition.
What notes are in the Ab Phrygian?
The Ab Phrygian contains the notes: Ab, Bbb, Cb, Db, Eb, Fb, Gb. This is a 7-note scale starting from Ab.
How many chords does the Ab Phrygian have?
The Ab Phrygian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Abm, A, B, Dbm, Ebdim, E, Gbm.
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).
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Position in circle of fifths
Ab is at the 8 o'clock position. Related keys: Eb (dominant), C# (subdominant), F (relative minor), Bb (supertonic), F# (subtonic).