The Phrygian Mode Back to Modes
The Phrygian mode originates from the 3rd degree of the major scale eg. E to E in C major. Its scale degrees are R (root) b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7. Due to its b3 the Phrygian mode is a minor scale. The character notes are the minor 6th and in particular, the flattened 2nd. It is an exotic sounding scale with a Spanish/Flamenco/Eastern vibe and is often heard by players such as John McLaughlin, Paco de Lucia and Al Di Meola. It can also sound dark and sinister and is used extensively in Heavy Metal music (Megadeth, Metallica, Yngwie Malmsteen etc.)
Using the key of A Phrygian (A Bb C D Eb F G), we will now link this mode to how we play the 5 positions of the A minor pentatonic scale (A C D E G).
The notes of the minor pentatonic scale sit inside the Phrygian Mode and it can be helpful to see this clearly so firstly learn to play the 5 pentatonic shapes below. The ‘A’ root notes are black and other scale degrees are red with the scale degree number inside them. Fret numbers are indicated to the left of each diagram. Next, ‘pin’ the Phrygian scale patterns onto the pentatonic ones and practice them one by one.
