Interactive piano keyboard showing Bb Phrygian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
B♭ phrygian (B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭) is a dark, exotic scale with six flats in its key signature and a flattened 2nd (C♭) that creates immediate Spanish and Middle Eastern tension. It is primarily used in jazz, film scoring, and progressive metal. B♭ phrygian works over B♭m chords where the darkest possible minor quality is needed.
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 Bb Phrygian are: Bbm, B, Db, Ebm, Fdim, Gb, Abm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Phrygian?
B♭ phrygian (B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭) is a dark, exotic scale with six flats in its key signature and a flattened 2nd (C♭) that creates immediate Spanish and Middle Eastern tension. It is primarily used in jazz, film scoring, and progressive metal. B♭ phrygian works over B♭m chords where the darkest possible minor quality is needed.
What notes are in the Bb Phrygian?
The Bb Phrygian contains the notes: Bb, Cb, Db, Eb, F, Gb, Ab. This is a 7-note scale starting from Bb.
How many chords does the Bb Phrygian have?
The Bb Phrygian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Bbm, B, Db, Ebm, Fdim, Gb, Abm.
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
Bb is at the 10 o'clock position. Related keys: F (dominant), Eb (subdominant), G (relative minor), C (supertonic), Ab (subtonic).