Phrygian Mode Ear Training

The Phrygian mode is the darkest of the common minor modes. With its characteristic flat 2nd degree, it immediately evokes images of Spanish flamenco, Middle Eastern music, or heavy metal.

What is the Phrygian mode?

Phrygian is the 3rd mode of the major scale. If you play only the white keys from E to E, you are playing E Phrygian.

Compared to the natural minor scale, the only difference is the flatted 2nd degree. That half-step interval right at the beginning of the scale gives Phrygian its dark, exotic bite.

The sound of Phrygian

Because the second note is only a half-step above the root, it creates immense tension that wants to pull back down. This sound is the backbone of heavy metal riffs (think Metallica or Megadeth) and Spanish acoustic guitar music.

Listening tips

When practicing in BananaTone's Scale mode, listen to the very first step of the scale. If the scale immediately steps up by a tiny, tense half-step before continuing into a minor sound, you are hearing Phrygian.

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