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...