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G Phrygian Scale

The G Phrygian scale is the third 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 mode contains the following notes:

G – A♭ – B♭ – C – D – E♭ – F

These 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 characteristic tones such as the flat 2 (A♭), which gives this scale its signature sound.

G Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Phrygian mode is:

Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole

Applied to G, this gives us:

Thus, G Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:

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

Chords in the Key of G Phrygian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the G Phrygian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy the sound of G Phrygian, you may also like:

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). These two scales are otherwise identical.

What is the parent scale of G Phrygian?

E♭ major. G Phrygian uses the same notes as E♭ major, but starts on its third degree (G).

Summary: G Phrygian Scale