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E phrygian mode

The E phrygian mode is E F G A B C D: seven notes, dark, with a Spanish edge. Its formula is 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7.

Make a beat in E minor

Opens the free editor with a trap beat in E minor to play E phrygian over. No account needed to start.

The notes of E phrygian

From E up to E: half, whole, whole, whole, half, whole, whole. Tap a key to hear it.

E F G A B C D E

EFGABCDE
The notes of E phrygian mode by scale degree
DegreeNoteFrom the root
1ERoot
♭2FMinor second
♭3GMinor third
4APerfect fourth
5BPerfect fifth
♭6CMinor sixth
♭7DMinor seventh

How E phrygian is built

The C major scale played from its third note, E: the same notes with E as home. Against E minor, the minor scale on the same note, it has F instead of F♯.

The major scale played from its third note: a minor scale with a lowered second. The half step above the root gives it the tense sound of flamenco and metal. The phrygian mode in every key.

Chords in E phrygian

One chord on each note of the scale, built from its own notes. The numeral says which note it starts on, against the E major scale: capitals are major, small letters minor.

Play E phrygian over a beat

A beat on the chords of E minor. Play the scale over it on the keyboard above, then open it in the editor and add your melody as its own part.

Hear it as

Questions about E phrygian

What notes are in the E phrygian mode?

E, F, G, A, B, C and D. Its formula is 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7, counted from the major scale on E, and its steps from E up to E are: half, whole, whole, whole, half, whole, whole.

What key is E phrygian in?

E phrygian uses the notes of C major, starting on its third note, E. The notes are the same; making E home is what gives it its own sound.

How is E phrygian different from E minor?

F instead of F♯: one note of the E minor scale changes, and that note gives E phrygian its sound: dark, with a Spanish edge.

Build a song in E phrygian

Start with the beat, then add chords, a melody and your voice in the editor, part by part.