E Phrygian Scale for Guitar
Key of E • Phrygian Scale
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Guitar fretboard showing E phrygian scale. Notes: E, F, G, A, B, C, D. Position: full.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
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21
22
e
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
B
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
G
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
D
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
A
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
E
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
C
D
Tab Notation
e|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----19----20----22-----|
B|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 6---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----18----20----22-----|
G|----- 0---- 2---- 4---- 5---- 7---- 9----10----12----14----16----17----19----21----22-----|
D|----- 0---- 2---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 9----10----12----14----15----17----19----21----22-----|
A|----- 0---- 2---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----14----15----17----19----20----22-----|
E|----- 0---- 1---- 3---- 5---- 7---- 8----10----12----13----15----17----19----20----22-----|
Notes: E - F - G - A - B - C - D
Formula
1♭2♭345♭6♭7
Intervals
R - m2 - m3 - P4 - P5 - m6 - m7
About the Phrygian Scale
The Phrygian mode is distinctive for its ♭2 (flat second), which gives it a dark, exotic, and mysterious character. This Spanish-sounding scale creates tension and drama with its half-step relationship to the root.
Usage
Essential for flamenco music and Spanish guitar styles. Widely used in heavy metal, especially thrash and death metal, to create dark, aggressive riffs. Also found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean music.
History
Named after the ancient Greek region of Phrygia, this mode was considered passionate and emotional in ancient Greek music theory. It became central to flamenco music and experienced renewed interest in modern metal music.