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The Phrygian mode is one of the seven musical modes. It is characterized by a minor third and a flattened second, giving it a distinctive, tense sound.
What is the Phrygian mode?
The Phrygian mode is built using the interval pattern: root, minor second, minor third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, minor sixth and minor seventh. On the piano, playing the white keys from E to E produces the E Phrygian mode.
The flattened second scale degree is the defining feature that distinguishes the Phrygian mode from the natural minor scale.
How is the Phrygian mode used in piano playing?
Piano players use the Phrygian mode to create distinctive melodic lines and harmonic colors that differ from traditional major and minor scales. It appears in jazz, rock, metal, flamenco and modal music.
Learning the Phrygian mode expands a pianist’s improvisation skills and provides new harmonic and melodic possibilities.