E Phrygian scale
The E Phrygian scale is a 7-note phrygian scale built on the root E. Its notes are E, F, G, A, B, C and D. Dark minor mode with a flat second — Spanish, flamenco and metal flavour. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make E Phrygian a powerful tool for improvising and composing.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic minor mode of flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates immediate tension over the tonic. Built on the root E, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key — making it especially useful in genres and registers where E is a comfortable tonal centre.
Formula & step pattern
The E Phrygian scale follows a minor scale with a flat second degree (H-W-W-W-H-W-W). Step pattern: H - W - W - W - H - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
E Phrygian on the piano
E Phrygian on the guitar
E Phrygian on the staff
Hear the E Phrygian scale
Notes of the E Phrygian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | F |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | G |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | C |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | D |
Diatonic chords of E Phrygian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the E Phrygian scale
The diatonic chords of E Phrygian are: i = Em, II = F, III = G, iv = Am, v° = B°, VI = C, vii = Dm. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E Phrygian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic minor mode of flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates immediate tension over the tonic.
Practice tips
Lean on the flat second to immediately establish the phrygian sound. A great drill is to alternate the root and flat second back and forth as a pedal.
Famous songs in this key
Songs and pieces that use E Phrygian include “Wherever I May Roam” — Metallica; Spanish flamenco repertoire. Studying these examples is one of the fastest ways to internalise the scale’s sound.
Scales related to E Phrygian
Once you are comfortable with E Phrygian, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with E Phrygian and are a natural next step in your study.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Phrygian scale?
What is the formula for the E Phrygian scale?
Is E Phrygian a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the E Phrygian scale?
Which genres use E Phrygian?
How do I practise the E Phrygian scale?
Take E Phrygian into your music
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