A Phrygian Scale
The A Phrygian scale contains A – Bb – C – D – E – F – G. It uses 1 flat: Bb.
A Phrygian scale chart
Sharps and flats
A Phrygian has 1 flat: Bb. Its parent major scale is F major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of F major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from A |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | 0 |
| b2 | Bb | 1 |
| b3 | C | 3 |
| 4 | D | 5 |
| 5 | E | 7 |
| b6 | F | 8 |
| b7 | G | 10 |
Step pattern
The Phrygian scale is built from the pattern H – W – W – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step). Apply that pattern from any starting note and you get the same mode in a different key.
Chords in A Phrygian
Building a triad on each degree of the scale gives you the chords that belong to it. These are the chords to reach for when writing in A Phrygian.
Other modes on A
More scales on A
Phrygian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A Phrygian scale?
The A Phrygian scale contains A, Bb, C, D, E, F, G, then returns to A an octave higher.
How many flats are in A Phrygian?
A Phrygian has 1 flat: Bb.
What is the step pattern of the Phrygian scale?
The Phrygian scale follows the whole/half step pattern H – W – W – W – H – W – W, where W is a whole step (two semitones) and H is a half step (one semitone).
Which chords work with the A Phrygian scale?
The diatonic chords are Am, Bb, C, Dm, Edim, F, Gm. Each is built only from notes of the A Phrygian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.