G Phrygian Dominant scale
The G Phrygian Dominant scale is a 7-note phrygian dominant scale built on the root G. Its notes are G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭ and F. Phrygian with a major third - flamenco, klezmer and middle-eastern signature sound. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make G Phrygian Dominant a great tool for improvising and composing.
Phrygian dominant is the signature scale of flamenco, klezmer and middle-eastern modes. You'll also hear it in metal solos for that exotic, aggressive sound. 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+H H W H W W
- Tonic
- G
G Phrygian Dominant on the piano
G Phrygian Dominant on the guitar
G Phrygian Dominant on the staff
Hear the G Phrygian Dominant scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the G Phrygian Dominant scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | G | |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | A♭(Ab) | |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | B | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | C | |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | D | |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | E♭(Eb) | |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | F |
Diatonic chords of G Phrygian Dominant
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the G Phrygian Dominant scale
The diatonic chords of G Phrygian Dominant are: I = G, II = A♭, iii° = B°, iv = Cm, v° = D°, VI+ = E♭+, vii = Fm. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G Phrygian Dominant. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Phrygian dominant is the signature scale of flamenco, klezmer and middle-eastern modes. You'll also hear it in metal solos for that exotic, aggressive sound.
Practice tips
Spend time on that half-step move from root to flat second. It's the most recognisable feature of phrygian dominant.
Famous songs
G Phrygian Dominant appears throughout phrygian dominant is the signature scale of flamenco, klezmer and middle-eastern modes. you'll also hear it in metal solos for that exotic, aggressive sound. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The G Phrygian Dominant scale follows the fifth mode of harmonic minor: H-W+H-H-W-H-W-W with a major third over a flat second. Step pattern: H - W+H - H - 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 Dominant scale?
- The G Phrygian Dominant scale contains G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭ and F.
- What is the formula for the G Phrygian Dominant scale?
- G Phrygian Dominant follows the fifth mode of harmonic minor: H-W+H-H-W-H-W-W with a major third over a flat second.
- Is G Phrygian Dominant a major or minor scale?
- G Phrygian Dominant is a phrygian dominant scale. Phrygian with a major third - flamenco, klezmer and middle-eastern signature sound.
- What chords belong to the G Phrygian Dominant scale?
- The diatonic chords of G Phrygian Dominant are G, A♭, B°, Cm, D°, E♭+, Fm.
- Which genres use G Phrygian Dominant?
- Phrygian dominant is the signature scale of flamenco, klezmer and middle-eastern modes. You'll also hear it in metal solos for that exotic, aggressive sound.
- How do I practise the G Phrygian Dominant scale?
- Spend time on that half-step move from root to flat second. It's the most recognisable feature of phrygian dominant.