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Modes

Phrygian Scale

The 3rd mode of the major scale. Starts with a half step, giving it a dark, Spanish or Flamenco character.

darkSpanishbroodingmysterious

Hear the Phrygian Scale

How to Identify It

Very dark and Spanish-sounding due to the flat 2nd degree. The opening half-step gives it an immediately recognisable brooding quality.

Famous Examples

  • White Zombie — Rob Zombie
  • Flamenco guitar music
  • Wherever I May Roam — Metallica
  • Spanish guitar traditions
Test your earThe recognition trainer plays random scales — identify them with instant feedback.
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Phrygian in All 12 Keys

CC#D♭DD#E♭EFF#G♭GG#A♭AA#B♭B

Often Confused With

Natural MinorDiatonicThe darker counterpart to the major scale. Melancholic, intr…Phrygian DominantExoticThe 5th mode of the harmonic minor scale. Has a strong Middl…DorianModesThe 2nd mode of the major scale. Minor-sounding but with a r…LydianModesThe 4th mode of the major scale. Like major but with a raise…

About the Phrygian Scale

The phrygian scale is a modes scale built from the interval pattern 1, 2, 2, 2, 1, 2, 2 (in whole and half steps). The 3rd mode of the major scale. Starts with a half step, giving it a dark, Spanish or Flamenco character.

To recognise the phrygian scale reliably by ear, focus on its characteristic mood — dark, Spanish, brooding, mysterious. Use the player above to hear it in all 12 keys, and the recognition trainer to test yourself against a mixed set of scales.