F# Phrygian Dominant Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
F# Phrygian Dominant Scale — Notes and Intervals
The F# Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Piano, the notes are F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, E. It sounds exotic, passionate, and aggressive, and is a favorite for metal guitarists and composers of high-drama scores. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores. Notable players include Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola. Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Notes: F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, E
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: spanish, phrygian major
How to Play F# Phrygian Dominant on Piano
On piano, the F# Phrygian Dominant scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on F# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The F# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 3 sharps (F#, A#, C#). Its relative major is A# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the F# Phrygian Dominant scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (F#-A#, G-B) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on F# to let the characteristic intervals of the Phrygian Dominant scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the F# Phrygian Dominant scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The F# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 7 notes (F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, E). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.