B♭ Phrygian Scale

The B♭ Phrygian scale is the 3rd mode of the G♭ 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 B♭ Phrygian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

B♭ Phrygian Scale Notes

The B♭ Phrygian scale contains the following notes:

These notes come directly from the G♭ major parent scale, starting on its 3rd degree (B♭).

B♭ Phrygian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the B♭ Phrygian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.

B♭ Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Phrygian scale is:

Applied to B♭, this gives us:

• B♭ → C♭
• C♭ → D♭
• D♭ → E♭
• E♭ → F
• F → G♭
• G♭ → A♭
• A♭ → B♭

Thus, B♭ Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:

• Root (B♭)
• Minor 2nd (C♭)
• Minor 3rd (D♭)
• Perfect 4th (E♭)
• Perfect 5th (F)
• Minor 6th (G♭)
• Minor 7th (A♭)

This structure gives the Phrygian mode its characteristic minor quality combined with a distinctive flat 2nd.

Chords in the Key of B♭ Phrygian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the B♭ Phrygian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:

• B♭ minor (i)
• C♭ major (II)
• D♭ major (III)
• E♭ minor (iv)
• F diminished (v°)
• G♭ major (VI)
• A♭ minor (vii)

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy playing in B♭ Phrygian, you may also like:

• B♭ Phrygian Dominant (Phrygian with a major 3rd)
• B♭ minor
• B♭ Locrian
• G♭ major (parent scale)

B♭ Phrygian Scale FAQs

How is B♭ Phrygian different from B♭ natural minor?

B♭ Phrygian has a minor 2nd (C♭) while B♭ natural minor has a major 2nd (C).

What is the parent scale of B♭ Phrygian?

G♭ major. B♭ Phrygian uses the same notes as G♭ major, but starts on its 3rd degree (B♭).

Summary: B♭ Phrygian Scale

• Notes: B♭, C♭, D♭, E♭, F, G♭, A♭
• Mode: 3rd mode of G♭ major
• Formula: H, W, W, W, H, W, W