: Theory of finding the Mode of a key Finding the notes of G Phrygian. The ‘Phrygian Mode, is the third mode along from the Ionian, Major - of which major scale is G the 3rd note?". The answer is E flat major. So, G Phrygian

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I'll just add another possible way of getting there.

I like to think of modes in the C major scale, maybe because I can very easily picture it on a keyboard. So, thinking of Phrygian, I would think of the scale beginning on E, then I would either:

look at the intervals (S-T-T-T....) and apply them starting at G;
compare it with E minor scale (it's almost the same thing, but with F instead of F#) and conclude the same as Michael Curtis: "Phrygian is a minor scale with a lowered ^2 degree." Then apply the lowered 2 degree to G minor.

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This can be a matter of preference, but it may be easier to get the notes of a given mode by knowing the alterations to either a major or minor scale.

Phrygian is (like) a minor scale with a lowered ^2 degree.

So G minor uses a Bb and an Eb, just add the lowered ^2 Ab to get the G Phrygian mode.

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Yes, that's the way it works. Take, for instance, G Dorian. Dorian is based on the second note of the major scale, so that scale is F. Therefore G Dorian has Bb in it.