G# Phrygian Dominant Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
G# Phrygian Dominant Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# 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 G#, A, C, C#, D#, E, F#. 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: G#, A, C, C#, D#, E, F#
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 G# Phrygian Dominant on Piano
On piano, the G# Phrygian Dominant scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The G# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 4 sharps (G#, C#, D#, F#). Its relative major is C major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G# Phrygian Dominant scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G# to let the characteristic intervals of the Phrygian Dominant scale come through clearly.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the G# Phrygian Dominant scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry.
The G# Phrygian Dominant scale contains 7 notes (G#, A, C, C#, D#, E, F#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.