E Phrygian Mode

Hear the E Phrygian Mode played for you.

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	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

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.

Parallel Mode	Common Notes	Shared / 7
E Dorian	E – F – G – A – B – C – D – E	8 / 7
E Lydian	E – F – G – A – B – C – D – E	8 / 7
E Mixolydian	E – F – G – A – B – C – D – E	8 / 7
E Locrian	E – F – G – A – B – C – D – E	8 / 7
E Ionian	E – F – G – A – B	5 / 7
E Aeolian	E – F – G – A – B	5 / 7

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.