Scale
F Phrygian Dominant Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
F · G♭ · A · B♭ · C · D♭ · E♭
Root: F
Intervals
1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7
How it is built
This scale starts on F and applies the intervals 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
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Guide and musical context
About F Phrygian Dominant Scale
F Phrygian Dominant Scale uses the notes F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, E♭. Its character is intense and exotic to Western tonal ears because of its flat second and major third.
Character and sound
Intense and exotic to Western tonal ears because of its flat second and major third.
Musical context and history
Phrygian dominant is the fifth mode of harmonic minor. In Western theory it is associated with colors heard in flamenco, metal and music from several Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions.
How and where it is used
It is useful over dominants resolving to minor, tonic-pedal riffs and progressions emphasizing the ♭2-to-3 span.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on F. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7 and, from F, produces the notes F · G♭ · A · B♭ · C · D♭ · E♭.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F Phrygian Dominant Scale?
The notes are F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, E♭.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Intense and exotic to Western tonal ears because of its flat second and major third. It is useful over dominants resolving to minor, tonic-pedal riffs and progressions emphasizing the ♭2-to-3 span.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.