Interactive piano keyboard showing G Phrygian scale degrees. Click highlighted keys to play.
G phrygian (G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F) has three flats in its key signature and its flattened 2nd (A♭) gives it the dark, Spanish-inflected character central to flamenco and metal. It appears in progressive rock, film scores, and jazz for its immediately dramatic quality. G phrygian works well over Gm chords in heavy contexts.
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 G Phrygian are: Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm. These are the chords built naturally from each degree of the scale.
What is the Phrygian?
G phrygian (G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F) has three flats in its key signature and its flattened 2nd (A♭) gives it the dark, Spanish-inflected character central to flamenco and metal. It appears in progressive rock, film scores, and jazz for its immediately dramatic quality. G phrygian works well over Gm chords in heavy contexts.
What notes are in the G Phrygian?
The G Phrygian contains the notes: G, Ab, Bb, C, D, Eb, F. This is a 7-note scale starting from G.
How many chords does the G Phrygian have?
The G Phrygian produces 7 diatonic chords, one built on each degree of the scale: Gm, Ab, Bb, Cm, Ddim, Eb, Fm.
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
G is at the 1 o'clock position. Related keys: D (dominant), C (subdominant), E (relative minor), A (supertonic), F (subtonic).