A Phrygian Scale
The A Phrygian scale is the third mode of the F major scale, giving it a distinctive dark, exotic, and tense sound commonly used in flamenco, metal, jazz, and cinematic music.
This page covers everything you need to know about the A Phrygian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
A Phrygian Scale Notes
The A Phrygian mode contains the following notes:
A – B♭ – C – D – E – F – GThese notes come directly from the F major parent scale, starting on its 3rd degree (A).
A Phrygian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the A Phrygian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the flat 2 (B♭), which gives this scale its signature sound.
A Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Phrygian mode is:
Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – WholeApplied to A, this gives us:
- A → B♭
- B♭ → C
- C → D
- D → E
- E → F
- F → G
- G → A
Thus, A Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (A)
- Minor 2nd (B♭)
- Minor 3rd (C)
- Perfect 4th (D)
- Perfect 5th (E)
- Minor 6th (F)
- Minor 7th (G)
This structure gives the Phrygian mode its characteristic minor quality combined with a distinctive lowered 2nd.
Chords in the Key of A Phrygian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the A Phrygian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:
- A minor (i)
- B♭ major (II)
- C major (III)
- D minor (iv)
- E diminished (v°)
- F major (VI)
- G minor (vii)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy the sound of A Phrygian, you may also like:
- A Phrygian Dominant (Phrygian with a major 3rd)
- A Natural Minor (Aeolian)
- A Locrian
- F Major (parent scale)
A Phrygian Scale FAQs
How is A Phrygian different from A natural minor?
A Phrygian has a minor 2nd (B♭) while A natural minor has a major 2nd (B). These two scales are otherwise identical.
What is the parent scale of A Phrygian?
F major. A Phrygian uses the same notes as F major, but starts on its third degree (A).
Summary: A Phrygian Scale
- Notes: A, B♭, C, D, E, F, G
- Mode: 3rd mode of F major
- Formula: H, W, W, W, H, W, W