B Phrygian Piano Scale
Piano scale 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 Piano, 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♯m7♭5 — 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.
How to Play B Phrygian on Piano
On piano, the B Phrygian scale uses 1 black key. Start with your thumb on B and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The B Phrygian scale contains 1 sharp (F#). Its relative major is D major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the B Phrygian scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (B-D, C-E) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Try these progressions with the B Phrygian scale: Bm7 - Em7 - F#m7b5 - Bm7 (I-IV-V-I) or Bm7 - CMaj7 - Em7 - F#m7b5 for a more stepwise movement. This scale is especially effective in metal contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the B Phrygian scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a dark quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Phrygian is the 3rd mode of the Major scale. View B Major scale
The B Phrygian scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D, E, F#, G, A). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.