C♭ Phrygian

Note: This scale is rarely used in practice. The b-phrygian is more commonly used and is enharmonically equivalent.

C♭ Phrygian is the third mode of A𝄫 Major, creating a distinctive minor scale with a characteristically lowered second degree (D𝄫 instead of D♭). This mode delivers a dark, exotic sound that sets it apart from the C♭ Natural Minor scale, making it essential in flamenco, metal, and Mediterranean music. Compared to C♭ Dorian, the Phrygian mode's flattened second creates an intensely dramatic, Spanish-flavored character perfect for building tension and atmosphere.

Symbol: C♭ Phrygian
Key: c flat
Scale Type: phrygian
Cardinality: heptatonic
Number of Notes: 8
Notes: C♭, D𝄫, E𝄫, F♭, G♭, A𝄫, B𝄫, C♭
Intervals from Root: m2, m3, P4, P5, m6, m7

C♭ Phrygian follows the interval formula H-W-W-W-H-W-W, producing the notes C♭-D𝄫-E𝄫-F♭-G♭-A𝄫-B𝄫-C♭. The defining characteristic is the minor second interval between the root and second degree (C♭ to D𝄫), which creates the mode's signature exotic, Spanish sound. The scale contains the intervals: root, minor 2nd, minor 3rd, perfect 4th, perfect 5th, minor 6th, and minor 7th.

Understanding the Phrygian Mode

As the third mode of A𝄫 Major, C♭ Phrygian shares the same seven notes but emphasizes C♭ as the tonal center. The Phrygian mode occupies a unique position in the modal system—it's darker than C♭ Dorian due to the lowered second, yet more stable than C♭ Locrian because it maintains a perfect fifth.

The Distinctive Sound of C♭ Phrygian

C♭ Phrygian produces a dark, exotic, and somewhat ominous quality often described as "Spanish," "Middle Eastern," or "mystical." The minor second interval creates an immediate tension that pulls toward the root, generating the characteristic Phrygian cadence (moving from D𝄫 major to C♭ minor). This sound is why flamenco guitarists favor Phrygian modes for traditional Spanish music.

Practical Applications and Common Usage

C♭ Phrygian appears prominently in flamenco music where the Phrygian dominant sound defines the genre's harmonic language. The characteristic bII-I progression (D𝄫 major to C♭ minor) appears constantly in these genres, creating instant tension and drama.

Learning Tips for Musicians

Start by comparing C♭ Phrygian directly with C♭ Natural Minor—play both scales consecutively, focusing on how the lowered second dramatically alters the mood. For parent scale reference, study A𝄫 Major to understand the source of C♭ Phrygian's notes.