G♭ Phrygian scale
The G♭ Phrygian scale is a 7-note phrygian scale built on the root G♭. Its notes are G♭, A𝄫, B𝄫, C♭, D♭, E𝄫 and F♭. 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 G♭ 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 G♭, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where G♭ is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- G♭ · A𝄫 · B𝄫 · C♭ · D♭ · E𝄫 · F♭
- Formula
- 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m
- Step pattern
- H W W W H W W
- Tonic
- G♭
G♭ Phrygian on the piano
G♭ Phrygian on the guitar
G♭ Phrygian on the staff
Hear the G♭ Phrygian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the G♭ Phrygian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | G♭(Gb) | |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | A𝄫(Abb) | |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | B𝄫(Bbb) | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | C♭(Cb) | |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | D♭(Db) | |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | E𝄫(Ebb) | |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | F♭(Fb) |
Diatonic chords of G♭ Phrygian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from G♭ Phrygian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the G♭ Phrygian scale
The diatonic chords of G♭ Phrygian are: i = G♭m, II = A𝄫, III = B𝄫, iv = C♭m, v° = D♭°, VI = E𝄫, vii = F♭m. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G♭ 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.
Where you will hear G♭ Phrygian
G♭ 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 G♭ 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 G♭ Phrygian scale?
- The G♭ Phrygian scale contains G♭, A𝄫, B𝄫, C♭, D♭, E𝄫 and F♭.
- What is the formula for the G♭ Phrygian scale?
- G♭ Phrygian follows a minor scale with a flat second degree (H-W-W-W-H-W-W).
- Is G♭ Phrygian a major or minor scale?
- G♭ Phrygian is a phrygian scale. Dark minor mode with a flat second - Spanish, flamenco and metal flavour.
- What chords belong to the G♭ Phrygian scale?
- The diatonic chords of G♭ Phrygian are G♭m, A𝄫, B𝄫, C♭m, D♭°, E𝄫, F♭m.
- Which genres use G♭ 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 G♭ 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.