Phrygian Vamp (i bII)
The Phrygian vamp is the chord progression i-bII. In the key of C minor it is Cm Db, and in the Nashville Number System it is written 1m b2.
Chords from outside the key of C minor: Db.
Jump to the chords and audio in C, G, D, A and E
Why it works
The half step between i and bII is the defining sound of Phrygian, the mode with a flat second degree. A two-chord loop is enough to make the mode clear. It sounds tense and exotic, and it is a staple of metal and of bass-heavy pop.
Songs that use it
These are the chords as played in each song, in the song's own key.
| Song | Artist | Section | Chords | Key |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SexyBack | Justin Timberlake | chorus | Am Bb | A Phrygian |
| Anaconda | Nicki Minaj | chorus | C#m D | C# Phrygian |
| Get Busy | Sean Paul | intro | Fm Gb | F Phrygian |
Phrygian Vamp: Chords and Audio in C, G, D, A and E
Press play to hear each key. The diagrams show the shapes used in the audio, and every chord links to its full page.
More progressions like this one
- Phrygian i-bII-bIII: Cm Db Eb
- Phrygian dominant vamp: C Db
- So What shift: Cm7 Dbm7
- Dorian shuttle: Cm F
All guitar chord progressions →
Created by
Giancarlo is a musician (teaching guitar since 2000), software engineer, AI consultant and published researcher
FAQ
What are the chords of the Phrygian vamp in each key?
In C minor: Cm Db. In G minor: Gm Ab. In D minor: Dm Eb. In A minor: Am Bb. In E minor: Em F.
Which songs use the Phrygian vamp?
Songs that use it include SexyBack by Justin Timberlake, Anaconda by Nicki Minaj, Get Busy by Sean Paul.
