B Phrygian dominant
The 5th mode of harmonic minor, with a major 3rd and minor 2nd above the tonic; it combines dominant function with an augmented 2nd.
Octaves
Musical context
How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.
Theory
General info
- Name
- B Phrygian dominant
- Family
- Harmonic scales
- Note count
- 7
- Step formula
- H – W+H – H – W – H – W – W
- Numeric formula
- 0-1-3-1-2-1-2-2
Notes & degrees
1Broot
b2Cminor 2nd
3D#major 3rd
4Eperfect 4th
5F#perfect 5th
b6Gminor 6th
b7Aminor 7th
Construction
- Overview
- The 5th mode of harmonic minor, with a major 3rd and minor 2nd above the tonic; it combines dominant function with an augmented 2nd.
- Application in music
- The 5th mode of harmonic minor; used over V7 in minor and found in flamenco and related styles.
- Interval formula
- BHCWHD#HEWF#HGWA
Chords by degree
Tensions & resolutions
Stable degrees
IBpoint of resttonic
IIID#defines modal qualitythird
VF#supports the tonic sonorityfifth
Typical resolutions & tensions
IIID#D#
IVEE
In a dominant context, scale degree 4 normally descends by step to 3.
IBB
IICC
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.
This scale on guitar 🎸
See how B Phrygian dominant looks on guitar.
Circle of fifths
The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.
Connections
Practice
Keyboard Trainer
Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.