Guiter
BetaD Phrygian
A dark, exotic mode with Spanish and Middle Eastern flavors. The ♭2 gives it a distinctive sound.
Scale Notes
H-W-W-W-H-W-WFretboard Visualization
Practice D Phrygian with Ear Training
Train your ear to recognize notes in the D Phrygian scale. Our interactive trainer will play melodies and challenge you to identify them on the fretboard.
Start Ear TrainingAbout This Scale
Phrygian mode is the 3rd mode of the Major scale. Its defining characteristic is the minor 2nd (♭2) — just a half step above the root — which gives it that distinctly Spanish/Flamenco flavor. In metal, the Phrygian mode is a favorite for heavy riffs (Metallica uses it extensively). The ♭2 interval creates a unique tension against the root that resolves beautifully with proper voice leading. It's also common in film scores for mysterious or ominous scenes.
Common Genres
Famous Songs
Related Scales
D Minor
The natural minor scale conveys sadness and emotional depth. Essential for rock, metal, and ballads.
D Harmonic Minor
A dramatic scale with an exotic augmented 2nd interval. Used in classical, metal, and Middle Eastern music.
D Locrian
The darkest mode with a diminished 5th. Used in heavy metal for extreme dissonance.
All Scales in D
Learn the D Phrygian scale on guitar with our free interactive tools. The {scale} scale (H-W-W-W-H-W-W) contains 7 notes: D, D#, F, G, A, A#, C. Practice with our ear training game to master recognizing {scale} scale patterns by ear. Perfect for Flamenco, Metal, Film Score guitar players of all levels.