F♯ Phrygian Scale
The F♯ Phrygian scale is the third mode of the D 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 F♯ Phrygian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
F♯ Phrygian Scale Notes
The F♯ Phrygian mode contains the following notes:
F♯ – G – A – B – C♯ – D – EThese notes come directly from the D major parent scale, starting on its 3rd degree (F♯).
F♯ Phrygian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the F♯ Phrygian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the flat 2 (G), which gives this scale its signature sound.
F♯ Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Phrygian mode is:
Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – WholeApplied to F♯, this gives us:
- F♯ → G
- G → A
- A → B
- B → C♯
- C♯ → D
- D → E
- E → F♯
Thus, F♯ Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (F♯)
- Minor 2nd (G)
- Minor 3rd (A)
- Perfect 4th (B)
- Perfect 5th (C♯)
- Minor 6th (D)
- Minor 7th (E)
This structure gives the Phrygian mode its characteristic minor quality combined with a distinctive lowered 2nd.
How to Play the F♯ Phrygian Scale on Piano
Below are our suggested fingerings for smooth, consistent playing.
Left Hand Fingering (Ascending)
2 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 1 – 2 – 3
Right Hand Fingering (Ascending)
3 – 1 – 4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 4 – 3
Chords in the Key of F♯ Phrygian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the F♯ Phrygian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:
- F♯ minor (i)
- G major (II)
- A major (III)
- B minor (iv)
- C♯ diminished (v°)
- D major (VI)
- E minor (vii)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy the sound of F♯ Phrygian, you may also like:
- F♯ Phrygian Dominant (Phrygian with a major 3rd)
- F♯ Natural Minor (Aeolian)
- F♯ Locrian
- D Major (parent scale)
F♯ Phrygian Scale FAQs
How is F♯ Phrygian different from F♯ natural minor?
F♯ Phrygian has a minor 2nd (G) while F♯ natural minor has a major 2nd (G♯). These two scales are otherwise identical.
What is the parent scale of F♯ Phrygian?
D major. F♯ Phrygian uses the same notes as D major, but starts on its third degree (F♯).
Summary: F♯ Phrygian Scale
- Notes: F♯, G, A, B, C♯, D, E
- Mode: 3rd mode of D major
- Formula: H, W, W, W, H, W, W