E Phrygian scale

The E Phrygian scale has the notes E F G A B C D. Its formula is 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. It is mode 3 of the C major scale: the same notes, starting on E. Key signature: no accidentals.

It can also be written as F♭; we use the spelling with fewer accidentals.

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Scale notes

Degree	Formula	Note
I	1	E tonic
II	b2	F
III	b3	G
IV	4	A
V	5	B
VI	b6	C
VII	b7	D

Chords of the scale

Symbol	Chord	Notes	Chord-scale	Tensions	Avoid
Im7 modal center	Em7	E G B D	Phrygian E	11 (A)	b9 (F), b13 (C)
bIIMaj7 characteristic	FMaj7	F A C E	Lydian F	9 (G), #11 (B), 13 (D)	–
bIII7	G7	G B D F	Mixolydian G	9 (A), 13 (E)	11 (C)
IVm7	Am7	A C E G	Aeolian A	9 (B), 11 (D)	b13 (F)
Vø	Bø	B D F A	Locrian B	11 (E), b13 (G)	b9 (C)
bVIMaj7	CMaj7	C E G B	Ionian C	9 (D), 13 (A)	11 (F)
bVIIm7 characteristic	Dm7	D F A C	Dorian D	9 (E), 11 (G)	13 (B)

Character and characteristic note

The Phrygian mode is the third mode of the major scale. It is a minor scale whose characteristic note is the flat second (b2), which makes it austere and somber. It is one of the darkest minor modes.

Effect: austere, somber.
Characteristic note: b2.
Characteristic chords: bIIMaj7 (FMaj7), bVIIm7 (Dm7).

How to use it

Center Im7 (often I7sus4(b2)). Characteristic chords bIIMaj7 (the "dark lord") and bVIIm7 (more subtle). The melody keeps coming back to 1 or 5, contrasted with the b2. It can hide its character until the end.

Watch out for

bIIMaj7 / bIII7 moving to bVIMaj7 can tonicize VI.
An exposed b9 is harsh.

Examples

The Slip-Up
Nardis
Deluge

Frequently asked questions

What notes are in the E Phrygian scale?

E F G A B C D. 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7.

What chords can you build on the E Phrygian scale?

The seventh chords on each degree are Im7 = Em7, bIIMaj7 = FMaj7, bIII7 = G7, IVm7 = Am7, Vø = Bø, bVIMaj7 = CMaj7, bVIIm7 = Dm7.