D Phrygian scale
The D Phrygian scale is a 7-note phrygian scale built on the root D. Its notes are D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭ and C. Dark minor mode with a flat second - Spanish, flamenco and metal flavour. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make D Phrygian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates instant tension over the tonic. Built on the root D, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where D is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- D · E♭ · F · G · A · B♭ · C
- Formula
- 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m
- Step pattern
- H W W W H W W
- Tonic
- D
D Phrygian on the piano
D Phrygian on the guitar
D Phrygian on the staff
Hear the D Phrygian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the D Phrygian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | D | |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | E♭(Eb) | |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | F | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | G | |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | A | |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | B♭(Bb) | |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | C |
Diatonic chords of D Phrygian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from D Phrygian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the D Phrygian scale
The diatonic chords of D Phrygian are: i = Dm, II = E♭, III = F, iv = Gm, v° = A°, VI = B♭, vii = Cm. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in D Phrygian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates instant tension over the tonic.
Practice tips
Lean on the flat second to immediately establish the phrygian sound. Great drill: alternate the root and flat second back and forth as a pedal.
Famous songs
D Phrygian appears throughout phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. the flat second creates instant tension over the tonic. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The D Phrygian scale follows a minor scale with a flat second degree (H-W-W-W-H-W-W). Step pattern: H - W - W - W - H - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Questions people ask
- What notes are in the D Phrygian scale?
- The D Phrygian scale contains D, E♭, F, G, A, B♭ and C.
- What is the formula for the D Phrygian scale?
- D Phrygian follows a minor scale with a flat second degree (H-W-W-W-H-W-W).
- Is D Phrygian a major or minor scale?
- D Phrygian is a phrygian scale. Dark minor mode with a flat second - Spanish, flamenco and metal flavour.
- What chords belong to the D Phrygian scale?
- The diatonic chords of D Phrygian are Dm, E♭, F, Gm, A°, B♭, Cm.
- Which genres use D Phrygian?
- Phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates instant tension over the tonic.
- How do I practise the D Phrygian scale?
- Lean on the flat second to immediately establish the phrygian sound. Great drill: alternate the root and flat second back and forth as a pedal.