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Opinion and Analysis in Bass Guitar

Theory in 300: Phrygian Mode

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 by Mike Emiliani Leave a Comment

The Phrygian mode (or scale) is another kind of minor scale. The characteristics of the Phrygian mode are the flattened:

  • Second
  • Third
  • Sixth and
  • Seventh

The flattened third is the distinguishing trait that denotes a scale is a minor one versus a major one.

The Phrygian mode is based off the third step, or third note, of a major scale. In other words, the first note of the scale will be the third note of the scale from which it derives from. The scale will ascend 8 notes from octave to octave like most other scales and the same notes will be affected based on the key signature.

For example, given a C major scale in the key of C – no sharps or flats – that looks like this:

smart-bass-guitar-key-of-c-phrygian-mode-example-1

The Phrygian mode in the key of C would look like this:

smart-bass-guitar-key-of-c-phrygian-mode-example-2

The scale begins on E and has:

  • Fb
  • Gb
  • Cb
  • Db

Because the key of C has no sharps or flats by default E Phrygian will also include no sharps and flats by default. What defines the Phrygian scale is the application of 4 flattened notes mentioned above.

But let’s say also were in the key of F, where there’s one flat (Bb):

smart-bass-guitar-key-of-f-phrygian-mode-example-1

And we want to play a Phrygian scale in the key of F. We would first find the third note of an F major scale (A), write out each of the notes then apply our flats. These flats would be:

smart-bass-guitar-key-of-f-phrygian-mode-example-2

As you can see, Bb is still Bb in A phrygian. It doesn’t change to, say, B natural or B-sharp But because when the scale starts on A, the Bb becomes the second note of the scale and therefore affected by the Phrygian scale modifiers, making it B-double flat or Bbb.

Additional Reading on the Phrygian Mode and Musical Modes:

  • The Phrygian Mode – Justin Guitar
  • The Phrygian Mode – Basic Music Theory
  • Phrygian mode in the key of C major – Guitar Secrets
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Mike Emiliani
Mike Emiliani is the founder of Smart Bass Guitar. When he's not writing, he can be found playing bass, producing music, studying business and watching basketball.
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Filed Under: Theory in 300 Tagged With: bass guitar phrygian mode, how to play musical modes bass guitar, musical modes bass guitar, musical modes phrygian mode, phrygian mode

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