What notes are in the Phrygian Mode (starting on E)?

The Phrygian Mode starting on E contains: E – F – G – A – B – C – D. Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7.

Phrygian Mode — Notes, Character & Famous Songs

Q: What is the Phrygian Mode?

The Phrygian Mode is the 3rd mode of the major scale. Starting on E, its notes are E – F – G – A – B – C – D. It uses the interval pattern H–W–W–W–H–W–W. Dark and exotic with a Spanish/flamenco character. The b2 (flat second) is its most distinctive feature — that half-step above the root creates immediate tension and an Andalusian flavour.

Q: How do I practise the Phrygian Mode?

Start by learning the Phrygian Mode starting on E — memorise the notes E – F – G – A – B – C – D. Then play it over a backing chord that matches the mode's root. The MusoKit Scale Explorer shows finger positions on guitar and piano for every mode.

The Phrygian mode is the 3rd mode of the major scale. Starting on E, its notes are E – F – G – A – B – C – D, following the interval pattern H–W–W–W–H–W–W. It has a dark, exotic character defined by its ♭2nd (flat second) degree, which creates an Andalusian, Spanish flavour. It is used in flamenco, metal, and dramatic film music.

The Phrygian Mode is the 3rd mode of the major scale — a distinct scale with its own unique character, built by starting on the 3rd note of any major scale. Here's everything you need to know about how it sounds, where it's used, and how to play it.

Notes in the Phrygian Mode (starting on E)

Intervals: H–W–W–W–H–W–W

Formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

Character & Sound

Tonal Character

Dark and exotic with a Spanish/flamenco character. The b2 (flat second) is its most distinctive feature — that half-step above the root creates immediate tension and an Andalusian flavour.

How It Differs from the Major Scale

Phrygian is natural minor with a lowered 2nd degree (b2). That one change creates the exotic, Spanish character. The b2 note creates a distinctive half-step resolution to the root.

Usage in Music

Flamenco guitar, metal (particularly thrash and death metal), and dramatic film music. The i–bII chord movement is iconic in Spanish music.

Famous songs using Phrygian Mode:
Metallica riffs, flamenco guitar, Radiohead 'Pyramid Song', many Spanish classical pieces

How to Build Any Phrygian Mode

The Phrygian Mode is the scale you get when you start on the 3rd note of any major scale and play all the same notes to the next octave. For example:

C major scale: C D E F G A B → start on E → gives you E Phrygian (E – F – G – A – B – C – D)
You can build a Phrygian Mode starting on any note by applying the formula: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

Explore Every Mode with Audio

The MusoKit Scale Explorer lets you see and hear every mode in any key — guitar, piano, and bass.

Open Scale Explorer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Phrygian Mode?

The Phrygian Mode is the 3rd mode of the major scale — built by starting on the 3rd degree and using the same notes as the parent major scale. Starting on E: E – F – G – A – B – C – D.

What is the difference between Phrygian Mode and the major scale?

Phrygian is natural minor with a lowered 2nd degree (b2). That one change creates the exotic, Spanish character. The b2 note creates a distinctive half-step resolution to the root.

What music uses the Phrygian Mode?

Flamenco guitar, metal (particularly thrash and death metal), and dramatic film music. The i–bII chord movement is iconic in Spanish music.

Is Phrygian Mode major or minor?

Phrygian is a minor mode — its tonic chord is minor. The b2 gives it an exotic, non-Western quality but it remains essentially minor in character.

How do I practise the Phrygian Mode?

Learn the notes starting on E (E – F – G – A – B – C – D), then play over a backing track using that root chord. Use the MusoKit Scale Explorer to see finger positions on guitar and piano.