Interactive piano keyboard showing Eb Phrygian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
E♭ phrygian is a deeply exotic scale whose flattened 2nd creates immediate Spanish and Middle Eastern tension. It is enharmonically equivalent to D♯ phrygian (D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯) and is one of the rarest phrygian keys. E♭ phrygian appears in avant-garde jazz and film scoring for its dark, unusual color.
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 Eb Phrygian are: Ebm, E, Gb, Abm, Bbdim, B, Dbm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Phrygian?
E♭ phrygian is a deeply exotic scale whose flattened 2nd creates immediate Spanish and Middle Eastern tension. It is enharmonically equivalent to D♯ phrygian (D♯, E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C♯) and is one of the rarest phrygian keys. E♭ phrygian appears in avant-garde jazz and film scoring for its dark, unusual color.
What notes are in the Eb Phrygian?
The Eb Phrygian contains the notes: Eb, Fb, Gb, Ab, Bb, Cb, Db. This is a 7-note scale starting from Eb.
How many chords does the Eb Phrygian have?
The Eb Phrygian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Ebm, E, Gb, Abm, Bbdim, B, Dbm.
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
Eb is at the 9 o'clock position. Related keys: Bb (dominant), Ab (subdominant), C (relative minor), F (supertonic), C# (subtonic).