B Phrygian
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
B Phrygian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Ukulele, its notes are B, C, D, E, F#, G, A. It has a strong Spanish or ethnic flavor, making it the definitive sound of Flamenco. In modern contexts, it is widely used in heavy metal to create an aggressive, brooding atmosphere. The diatonic chords of B Phrygian are Bm7, CMaj7, D7, Em7, F#m7b5, GMaj7, Am7. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern. Notable players include Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia. Use over sus(b9), m7 chords in Phrygian contexts. Often played over a droning root note or power chord. The b2 → 1 resolution is the mode's signature move.
Notes: B, C, D, E, F#, G, A
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
Bm7 — CMaj7 — D7 — Em7 — F#m7b5 — GMaj7 — Am7
Musical Character
The b2 interval from the root creates an immediate sense of tension and 'danger'. This single semitone is what gives Phrygian its unmistakable flamenco/metal character.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern
Notable players: Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia
How to Use the B Phrygian Scale
Use over sus(b9), m7 chords in Phrygian contexts. Often played over a droning root note or power chord. The b2 → 1 resolution is the mode's signature move.
Origin & Background
Named after the ancient Phrygians of Anatolia. Became the sound of Spanish guitar and modern extreme metal.
Related Scales
Phrygian is the 3rd mode of the Major scale. View B Major scale
Chord Progressions Using This Scale
- i – VII – VI – V (Andalusian Cadence)World / Flamenco — Tension & Drama
The B Phrygian scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F#, G, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.