About the A Phrygian b4 scale
A Phrygian b4 is used for metal, film scoring and tense modal writing. Think of it as a phrygian scale with its fourth lowered, extra dark.
Its notes are A, B♭, C, D♭, E, F, and G. The formula is H W H 1½ H W W. It is the third mode of F Harmonic Major.
On the piano, A Phrygian ♭4 touches the black keys B♭ and D♭.
Chords in the key of A Phrygian b4
Expand a chord to see how to play it.
i A minor
A minor over C (1st inversion)
ii B flat minor
B flat minor over D flat (1st inversion)
III C
C over E (1st inversion)
IV+ D flat augmented
D flat augmented over F (1st inversion)
v° E diminished
E diminished over G (1st inversion)
VI F
F over A (1st inversion)
vii° G diminished
G diminished over B flat (1st inversion)
Seventh chords in A Phrygian b4
The four-note version of each chord, richer and jazzier.
i A minor seven
A minor seven
ii B flat minor major seven
B flat minor major seven
III C seven
C seven
IV+ D flat major seven sharp five
D flat major seven sharp five
v° E diminished seven
E diminished seven
VI F major seven
F major seven
vii° G minor seven flat five
G minor seven flat five
Progressions in A Phrygian b4
Tap any chord to hear it, or play the whole progression.
Notes and intervals
| 1 | AA | Root |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | BbB♭ | Minor 2nd |
| 3 | CC | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | DbD♭ | Diminished 4th |
| 5 | EE | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | FF | Minor 6th |
| 7 | GG | Minor 7th |
| Steps | H W H 1½ H W W |
|---|---|
| Semitones | 1-2-1-3-1-2-2 |
| Degrees | 1 ♭2 ♭3 ♭4 5 ♭6 ♭7 |
Fingering
Suggested fingering, follows standard fingering rules
| Hand | A | B flat | C | D flat | E | F | G | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Left hand | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Shapes
Chromatic
Circle of Fifths
Related scales
Phrygian b4 in other keys
Modes
The same notes, starting on a different note.