B Phrygian Scale

The B Phrygian scale is the third mode of the G major scale, giving it a distinctive dark, exotic, and tense sound commonly used in flamenco, metal, jazz, and cinematic music.

This page covers everything you need to know about the B Phrygian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

B Phrygian Scale Notes

The B Phrygian mode contains the following notes:

B – C – D – E – F♯ – G – A

These notes come directly from the G major parent scale, starting on its 3rd degree (B).

B Phrygian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the B Phrygian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the flat 2 (C), which gives this scale its signature sound.

B Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Phrygian mode is:

Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole

Applied to B, this gives us:

B → C
C → D
D → E
E → F♯
F♯ → G
G → A
A → B

Thus, B Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:

Root (B)
Minor 2nd (C)
Minor 3rd (D)
Perfect 4th (E)
Perfect 5th (F♯)
Minor 6th (G)
Minor 7th (A)

This structure gives the Phrygian mode its characteristic minor quality combined with a distinctive lowered 2nd.

Chords in the Key of B Phrygian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the B Phrygian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:

B minor (i)
C major (II)
D major (III)
E minor (iv)
F♯ diminished (v°)
G major (VI)
A minor (vii)

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy the sound of B Phrygian, you may also like:

B Phrygian Dominant (Phrygian with a major 3rd)
B Natural Minor (Aeolian)
B Locrian
G Major (parent scale)

B Phrygian Scale FAQs

How is B Phrygian different from B natural minor?

B Phrygian has a minor 2nd (C) while B natural minor has a major 2nd (C♯). These two scales are otherwise identical.

What is the parent scale of B Phrygian?

G major. B Phrygian uses the same notes as G major, but starts on its third degree (B).

Summary: B Phrygian Scale

Notes: B, C, D, E, F♯, G, A
Mode: 3rd mode of G major
Formula: H, W, W, W, H, W, W