E Phrygian Mode
E – F – G – A – B – C – D
Formula:H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Intervals:P1-m2-m3-P4-P5-m6-m7-P8
Scale Degrees:1-♭2-♭3-4-5-♭6-♭7-8
Introduction
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 | E4 | P1 |
| ♭2 | Supertonic | F4 | m2 |
| ♭3 | Mediant | G4 | m3 |
| 4 | Subdominant | A4 | P4 |
| 5 | Dominant | B4 | P5 |
| ♭6 | Submediant | C5 | m6 |
| ♭7 | Leading Tone | D5 | m7 |
| 8 | Octave | E5 | P8 |
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.
Practice Tips
- E Phrygian is all white keys — the easiest Phrygian mode.
- The E–F half step is the most iconic sound in metal.
- F Major → Em (bII–i) is the quintessential Phrygian cadence.
- Practice over an Em drone — instant flamenco atmosphere.
- E Phrygian is the most common Phrygian key in rock and metal.
- Compare with E Dorian and E Aeolian — three different minor flavours on the same root.