Scales and modes
Phrygian mode
The Phrygian mode is the third mode of the major scale, with the formula 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7: a dark minor mode recognised by its flat second.
What is the Phrygian mode?
Phrygian is the third of the seven modes of the major scale. Formula: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7. In E: E F G A B C D, the notes of C major played from E.
Its characteristic note is the flat second (F above E), just a half step from the root. Compared with the Aeolian mode, which is natural minor, only the 2 changes: F instead of F#. Lower the fifth as well and you get the even more unstable Locrian mode.
How do you play the Phrygian mode on guitar?
E Phrygian fits perfectly in open position, since it uses only natural notes:
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0, 1, 3 | E F G |
| 5 | 0, 2, 3 | A B C |
| 4 | 0, 2, 3 | D E F |
| 3 | 0, 2 | G A |
| 2 | 0, 1, 3 | B C D |
| 1 | 0, 1, 3 | E F G |
The E to F half step sits on both E strings, between the open string and the 1st fret. The same shape moved up 12 frets gives E Phrygian an octave higher. To play it in other keys and positions, display it on the fretboard with the guitar scales tool.
Exercise: a riff and a phrase in E Phrygian
Metal riff on the low E string, palm-muted: 0 0 1 0, 0 0 3 1 (E E F E, E E G F). The F at the 1st fret is all it takes to sound Phrygian.
Phrase over Em F (one bar each):
- Over Em: high E string 3rd fret (G), open (E), B string 3rd fret (D), open (B).
- Over F: B string 1st fret (C), then high E string 1st fret (F), held.
Landing on F while the F chord plays highlights the ♭2 of the mode, and the move back to Em feels like a fall.
Which chords do you use the Phrygian mode over?
- Em F, Em F G F or E5 F5: the major ♭II chord above the tonic is the Phrygian signature, everywhere in metal.
- The iii chord of a major key: over Em7 in a progression in C (Cmaj7 Em7 Fmaj7), E Phrygian uses the notes of C major.
- Flamenco: in the Andalusian cadence Am G F E, the final chord is major (E, with G#). There you play Phrygian dominant (E F G# A B C D), the 5th mode of A harmonic minor.
Over Am G F, stay in A natural minor instead: same notes, but centred on A.
Key takeaways
- Formula: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7, a minor mode with a flat second.
- E Phrygian: E F G A B C D, in open position.
- Typical vamp: Em F, or E5 F5 in metal.
- With a major third, it becomes the Phrygian dominant of flamenco.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Phrygian and Phrygian dominant?
The third. Phrygian has a minor third (G in E), Phrygian dominant a major third (G#). The first fits Em, the second E or E7, typically in flamenco and neoclassical metal.
Why does the Phrygian mode sound Spanish?
Because of the half step between the ♭2 and the root (F to E), at the heart of the Andalusian cadence Am G F E. Add the major third of Phrygian dominant and that motion instantly suggests flamenco.
How do I find the Phrygian mode of a key?
It starts on the 3rd degree of the major scale: C major gives E Phrygian, G major gives B Phrygian, D major gives F# Phrygian. To play X Phrygian, use the major scale a major third (four frets) below X.
Related terms
Practise in the workshop
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