The E Phrygian scale contains seven notes: E, F, G, A, B, C, and D. It follows the whole-step / half-step pattern H-W-W-W-H-W-W.
The E Phrygian mode is the third mode of the C Major scale. It has a minor sound with a distinctive flatted second degree, common in flamenco and metal.
E Phrygian Mode Notes
| Degree | Name | Note | Interval |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tonic | E | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | F | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | G | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | A | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | B | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | C | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | D | m7 |
Key Signature
The E Phrygian Mode draws its notes from C Major, so it is written with that key signature: no sharps or flats.
Diatonic Chords in the E Phrygian Mode
These are the triads built on each degree of the E Phrygian Mode:
How Phrygian Relates to the Major Scale
Mode
Key
E Phrygian uses the same notes as C Major
Relative modes — all share the same notes
C Ionian=D Dorian=E Phrygian=F Lydian=G Mixolydian=A Aeolian=B Locrian
Common Tones
Common tones are the notes that two scales or modes share. Knowing which notes the E mode shares with its parallel modes (same root, different scale) helps with improvisation, modal interchange, and smooth voice leading. The more notes two modes share, the more closely related they sound — and the easier it is to slide between them in a solo or progression.
E Phrygian Mode — Frequently Asked Questions
What notes are in the E Phrygian mode?
E Phrygian contains: E, F, G, A, B, C, D. All white keys. Third mode of C Major. The flatted 2nd (F) defines the exotic character.
How does E Phrygian differ from E Natural Minor?
One note: E Phrygian has F (minor 2nd), E Natural Minor has F# (major 2nd).
What is the parent major scale?
Third mode of C Major. All white keys.
How is E Phrygian used in music?
E Phrygian is the most common Phrygian key in metal and rock. The E–F half step is iconic in heavy music. Also used in flamenco.
What chords are built from E Phrygian?
Em, F, G, Am, Bdim, C, Dm. F Major → Em is the Phrygian cadence.
What songs use Phrygian?
White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane) is in E Phrygian. Many metal riffs use E Phrygian.