B Phrygian scale

The B Phrygian scale has the notes B C D E F♯ G A. Its formula is 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. It is mode 3 of the G major scale: the same notes, starting on B. Key signature: 1 sharp (F♯).

It can also be written as C♭; we use the spelling with fewer accidentals.

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Scale notes

Degree	Formula	Note
I	1	B tonic
II	b2	C
III	b3	D
IV	4	E
V	5	F♯
VI	b6	G
VII	b7	A

Chords of the scale

Symbol	Chord	Notes	Chord-scale	Tensions	Avoid
Im7 modal center	Bm7	B D F♯ A	Phrygian B	11 (E)	b9 (C), b13 (G)
bIIMaj7 characteristic	CMaj7	C E G B	Lydian C	9 (D), #11 (F♯), 13 (A)	–
bIII7	D7	D F♯ A C	Mixolydian D	9 (E), 13 (B)	11 (G)
IVm7	Em7	E G B D	Aeolian E	9 (F♯), 11 (A)	b13 (C)
Vø	F♯ø	F♯ A C E	Locrian F♯	11 (B), b13 (D)	b9 (G)
bVIMaj7	GMaj7	G B D F♯	Ionian G	9 (A), 13 (E)	11 (C)
bVIIm7 characteristic	Am7	A C E G	Dorian A	9 (B), 11 (D)	13 (F♯)

Character and characteristic note

The Phrygian mode is the third mode of the major scale. It is a minor scale whose characteristic note is the flat second (b2), which makes it austere and somber. It is one of the darkest minor modes.

Effect: austere, somber.
Characteristic note: b2.
Characteristic chords: bIIMaj7 (CMaj7), bVIIm7 (Am7).

How to use it

Center Im7 (often I7sus4(b2)). Characteristic chords bIIMaj7 (the "dark lord") and bVIIm7 (more subtle). The melody keeps coming back to 1 or 5, contrasted with the b2. It can hide its character until the end.

Watch out for

bIIMaj7 / bIII7 moving to bVIMaj7 can tonicize VI.
An exposed b9 is harsh.

Examples

The Slip-Up
Nardis
Deluge

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the B Phrygian scale?

B C D E F♯ G A. 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7.

What chords can you build on the B Phrygian scale?

The seventh chords on each degree are Im7 = Bm7, bIIMaj7 = CMaj7, bIII7 = D7, IVm7 = Em7, Vø = F♯ø, bVIMaj7 = GMaj7, bVIIm7 = Am7.