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:
B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – AThese 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:
H – W – W – W – H – W – WApplied 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