The Phrygian Scale
The Phrygian scale is the third scale in our "white-keys-on-the-piano"-modes -
the church modes.
The tonic is in E, all the tones being E, F, G, A, B, C and D. This minor
scale has a Spanish touch over it, although itīs minor third makes it less
"exotic" than, for example, the major third of the
Gypsy scale. All these seven scales are, as you
probably figured out, the same notes. Only the tonic changes and because of
whole- and half-steps each mode sound very different from the other. However,
one interesting point to "audiolize" this is for example to combine a
E Phrygian melody with a chord based on the tonic from another one of the
six modes left.
For example, try playing the intro melody from
Metallicaīs "Wherever I may roam" in E, which for most parts is written
around the Phrygian scale. Then add a C major chord over it. Sounds kinda cute
doesnīt it? Or a jazzier Dm13 chord (D, F, A, B and C). Try G7 and sing the melody. I just
tried that one and I think itīs pretty neat. Maybe James Hetfield beg to differ,
I donīt know...