This article will take you through the basics of the Phrygian mode.
We'll take you through the following questions:
- What is the Phrygian mode?
- How do we determine the notes of the Phrygian mode?
- What's an example of the Phrygian mode?
- Where can I learn about the other modes?
What is the Phrygian mode?
In the "Introduction to Modes" article I mentioned that the Phrygian mode is the third of the 7 modes for the major scale.
Because the Phrygian mode is the third mode in the major scale it starts on the third scale degree of the major scale.
How do we determine the notes of the Phrygian mode?
We'll build this scale the same way we build a chord progression. First, we'll need to pick a root note.
After we've picked our root note (or "tonic") we use a series of whole steps and half steps to get our other notes.
But what do I mean by "whole steps and half steps"?
What that means is moving through the musical alphabet and picking notes by moving certain "distances"
For the Major scales we'll use this formula
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Whole Step (or Tone)
- Half Step (or Semitone)
What's an example of the Phrygian Mode?
We'll use the C major Phrygian Mode as an example.
So if we follow the formula above we'll get the C Major Phrygian Scale
- C
- Db
- Eb
- F
- G
- Ab
- Bb
Where can I learn about the other modes?
We have articles breaking down each mode right here:
- Ionian(Major Scale)
- Dorian
- Phrygian
- Lydian
- Mixolydian
- Aeolian
- Locrian
