Phrygian mode

What it is

Phrygian is a minor mode, the darkest of the common ones. Its formula: 1, ♭2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7. Compared with the natural minor scale, only one note changes: the 2nd, which drops a half step.

The simplest example is E Phrygian: E, F, G, A, B, C, D. The white keys starting on E, so the same notes as C major. Handy on guitar: the root is the open low E string.

Its characteristic note

It’s the ♭2 (F, in E Phrygian). Sitting just a half step above the root, it creates strong tension that falls back onto the root. On the neck, it’s shown in purple.

Try it: play the open low E, then the 1st fret, then the open string again. That back-and-forth alone is enough to suggest Spain or a metal riff.

Which chords to use it over

Phrygian works over a sustained minor chord, or over an i–♭II loop: the root chord, then a major chord a half step above. In E: Em – F. The F chord contains the ♭2: that’s what makes the mode audible.

In flamenco, the Em is often replaced by an E major chord. That’s called Spanish Phrygian, a variant with a major 3rd.

Where you hear it

• Flamenco: the Andalusian cadence (Am, G, F, E) lands on a chord with a Phrygian color.
• Metal: lots of riffs alternate the open low string and the fret right above it.
• Film scores that want to sound menacing or exotic.

On the neck

Start the backing track and circle around E with that F. To compare it with the other modes, see The modes. All 12 keys are listed below.