A♭ Phrygian scale
The A♭ Phrygian scale is a 7-note phrygian scale built on the root A♭. Its notes are A♭, A, B, D♭, E♭, E and G♭. 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 A♭ Phrygian a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic minor mode of flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates immediate tension over the tonic. Built on the root A♭, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where A♭ is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The A♭ 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.
A♭ Phrygian on the piano
A♭ Phrygian on the guitar
A♭ Phrygian on the staff
Hear the A♭ Phrygian scale
Notes of the A♭ Phrygian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | A♭(Ab) |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | A |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | B |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | D♭(Db) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | E♭(Eb) |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | E |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | G♭(Gb) |
Diatonic chords of A♭ Phrygian
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 A♭ Phrygian scale
The diatonic chords of A♭ Phrygian are: i = A♭m, II = A, III = B, iv = D♭m, v° = E♭°, VI = E, vii = G♭m. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in A♭ Phrygian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic minor mode of flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates immediate tension over the tonic.
Practice tips
Lean on the flat second to immediately establish the phrygian sound. A great drill is to alternate the root and flat second back and forth as a pedal.
Famous songs in this key
A♭ Phrygian appears throughout phrygian is the dark, exotic minor mode of flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. the flat second creates immediate tension over the tonic. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Scales related to A♭ Phrygian
Once you are comfortable with A♭ Phrygian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with A♭ Phrygian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the A♭ Phrygian scale?
What is the formula for the A♭ Phrygian scale?
Is A♭ Phrygian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the A♭ Phrygian scale?
Which genres use A♭ Phrygian?
How do I practise the A♭ Phrygian scale?
Take A♭ Phrygian into your music
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