A Phrygian dominant scale on piano
The A Phrygian dominant scale on piano has 7 notes: A, B flat, C sharp, D, E, F, and G (A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F, G). It uses 2 black keys: B♭, C♯.
- A 1
- B♭ B flat ♭2
- C♯ C sharp 3
- D 4
- E 5
- F ♭6
- G ♭7
The highlighted keys are the notes of the scale, with the name and the degree; the tonic (A) has the strongest color. Tap a key to hear the note; "Play" goes up and down. The small dot marks middle C (C4).
Fingering for the A Phrygian dominant scale
This scale has no single fingering in piano method books. A rule that works: never put the thumb on a black key, and pass the thumb right after a black key. Fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little finger.
Formula
- A
- H
- B♭
- 1½W
- C♯
- H
- D
- W
- E
- H
- F
- W
- G
- W
- A
Degrees: 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7. Steps: H – 1½W – H – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
About the Phrygian dominant scale
Fifth mode of the harmonic minor. A flamenco and Arabic sound, widely used in metal.
Harmonized scale (chords in the key)
The chords that come from the scale, stacking thirds from each note.
| Degree | Triad | Seventh chord |
|---|---|---|
| I | A | A7 |
| II | B♭ | B♭7M |
| III° | C♯° | C♯°7 |
| IVm | Dm | Dm(7M) |
| V° | E° | Em7(b5) |
| VI+ | F+ | F7M(#5) |
| VIIm | Gm | Gm7 |
Arpeggios of these chords on piano
Scales with the same notes
More A scales
- Major
- Natural minor
- Harmonic minor
- Melodic minor
- Major pentatonic
- Minor pentatonic
- Blues
- Major blues
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Locrian
- Nordestina (Brazilian baião)
- Phrygian dominant
- Whole-tone
- Diminished (whole-half)
- Dominant diminished (half-whole)
Phrygian dominant in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of the A Phrygian dominant scale?
The notes of the A Phrygian dominant scale are A, B flat, C sharp, D, E, F, and G. It uses 2 black keys: B♭, C♯.
What is the formula of the A Phrygian dominant scale?
In degrees: 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · ♭7. In steps between notes: H – 1½W – H – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step).
Which chords go with the A Phrygian dominant scale?
The chords of the key are A, B♭, C♯°, Dm, E°, F+, Gm. Tap each one to see it on the keyboard.