G Phrygian Mode
Notes in the G Phrygian Mode
| Degree | Name | Note | Frequency (A=440) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | G | 391.995 Hz |
| ♭2 | Phrygian 2nd | G♯ | 415.305 Hz |
| ♭3 | Minor Mediant | A♯ | 466.164 Hz |
| 4 | Subdominant | C | 261.626 Hz |
| 5 | Dominant | D | 293.665 Hz |
| ♭6 | Minor Submediant | D♯ | 311.127 Hz |
| ♭7 | Subtonic | F | 349.228 Hz |
Interval Pattern
| Step | Interval | Semitones | From Note | To Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Half Step (H) | 1 | G | G♯ |
| 2 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | G♯ | A♯ |
| 3 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | A♯ | C |
| 4 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | C | D |
| 5 | Half Step (H) | 1 | D | D♯ |
| 6 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | D♯ | F |
| 7 | Whole Step (W) | 2 | F | G |
Chords Built on Scale Degrees
| Degree | Note | Chord | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | G minor | minor |
| ♭2 | G♯ | G♯ | major |
| ♭3 | A♯ | A♯ | major |
| 4 | C | C minor | minor |
| 5 | D | D diminished | diminished |
| ♭6 | D♯ | D♯ | major |
| ♭7 | F | F minor | minor |
Key Signature
1 ♯ — The G key signature uses F♯.
G Phrygian Mode in Practice
The G Phrygian Mode uses the key signature of 1 sharp (F♯). G major has one sharp (F#) and is one of the most common keys in folk, country, and rock music. Its open, resonant quality makes it ideal for guitar-based music. On guitar, G positions offer open-string resonance for fingering positions for this scale.
The Phrygian mode has a dark, exotic quality due to its flat 2nd degree. It is characteristic of Spanish flamenco music and heavy metal, creating an intense, mysterious atmosphere. When played starting on G, the 7 notes are G, G♯, A♯, C, D, D♯, F. In this key the signature has 1 sharp (F♯). G is the most natural key for guitar, with the open G and D strings providing a resonant tonic and dominant pedal. Bluegrass, country, and folk music favor G because open-position chords ring clearly and fingerpicking patterns fall under the hand naturally.
Tuning Frequencies Across Temperaments
Frequencies shown at A=440 Hz. View full temperament data for any note.
| Note | Equal Temp. | Pythagorean | Just Intonation |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | 391.995 Hz | 391.111 Hz | 392.438 Hz |
| G♯ | 415.305 Hz | 417.657 Hz | 418.601 Hz |
| A♯ | 466.164 Hz | 463.538 Hz | 470.926 Hz |
| C | 261.626 Hz | 260.740 Hz | 261.626 Hz |
| D | 293.665 Hz | 293.332 Hz | 294.329 Hz |
| D♯ | 311.127 Hz | 309.026 Hz | 313.951 Hz |
| F | 349.228 Hz | 347.654 Hz | 348.834 Hz |
Related Scales
Guitar: G Phrygian Mode Positions
The G key offers 1 sharp (F♯) on guitar. Sharp-side keys like G are idiomatic guitar keys because open strings (E, A, D, G, B, E) align with the scale's natural resonance points.