Modes
E Phrygian Mode on Piano
Phrygian is often called the darkest of the common modes. Its half step right at the bottom of the scale, from E to F, gives it a strong pull down to E. On piano, E Phrygian is simply the white keys from E to E.
Notes of the E Phrygian Scale
| Degree | Note | Interval from root |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | Root |
| 2 | F | Minor 2nd |
| 3 | G | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | A | Perfect 4th |
| 5 | B | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | C | Minor 6th |
| 7 | D | Minor 7th |
| 8 | E | Octave |
H-W-W-W-H-W-WH · W · W · W · H · W · WPhrygian is natural minor with a lowered 2nd — the opening half step is the mode's signature.
W = whole step, H = half step.
E Phrygian on the Staff
One octave ascending in treble clef with the key signature of C major (no sharps, no flats).
Fingering
The same fingering as E natural minor.
- 1E
- 2F
- 3G
- 1A
- 2B
- 3C
- 4D
- 5E
- 5E
- 4F
- 3G
- 2A
- 1B
- 3C
- 2D
- 1E
Numbers indicate fingers: 1 = thumb, 2 = index, 3 = middle, 4 = ring, 5 = little. Both rows are shown in ascending order (low note to high note). Note the left hand starts on the pinky (5) at the lowest note and crosses the middle finger over the thumb to continue upward — that is why the left-hand numbers count down before cycling again.
Diatonic Chords in E Phrygian
The seven triads built on each scale degree. They use only the notes of this scale; real pieces often add chords with altered notes as well.
Where You Hear This Scale
Phrygian is linked with Spanish music. Flamenco often combines its lowered second with a major chord on the tonic, and flamenco melodies may use both the minor and the major third. Pure Phrygian is common in dark metal riffing, especially in drop tunings. Listen for F falling to E: that half step is the Phrygian sound. Starting on E and playing only white keys is the easiest way to hear that sound in context.
Train Your Ear to Recognize This Scale
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