G Phrygian Scale
The G Phrygian scale is the 3rd mode of the E♭ 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 G Phrygian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.
G Phrygian Scale Notes
The G Phrygian scale contains the following notes:
G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – FThese notes come directly from the E♭ major parent scale, starting on its 3rd degree (G).
G Phrygian Piano Diagram
This diagram highlights which keys belong to the G Phrygian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
G Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Phrygian scale is:
H – W – W – W – H – W – WApplied to G, this gives us:
- G → A♭
- A♭ → B♭
- B♭ → C
- C → D
- D → E♭
- E♭ → F
- F → G
Thus, G Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (G)
- Minor 2nd (A♭)
- Minor 3rd (B♭)
- Perfect 4th (C)
- Perfect 5th (D)
- Minor 6th (E♭)
- Minor 7th (F)
This structure gives the Phrygian mode its characteristic minor quality combined with a distinctive flat 2nd.
Chords in the Key of G Phrygian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the G Phrygian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:
- G minor (i)
- A♭ major (II)
- B♭ major (III)
- C minor (iv)
- D diminished (v°)
- E♭ major (VI)
- F minor (vii)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy playing in G Phrygian, you may also like:
- G Phrygian Dominant (Phrygian with a major 3rd)
- G minor
- G Locrian
- E♭ major (parent scale)
G Phrygian Scale FAQs
How is G Phrygian different from G natural minor?
G Phrygian has a minor 2nd (A♭) while G natural minor has a major 2nd (A).
What is the parent scale of G Phrygian?
E♭ major. G Phrygian uses the same notes as E♭ major, but starts on its 3rd degree (G).
Summary: G Phrygian Scale
- Notes: G, A♭, B♭, C, D, E♭, F
- Mode: 3rd mode of E♭ major
- Formula: H, W, W, W, H, W, W