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E Phrygian Scale

The E Phrygian scale is the third mode of the C major scale, giving it a distinctive dark, exotic, and tense sound commonly used in flamenco, metal, jazz, and cinematic music.

This page covers everything you need to know about the E Phrygian scale: notes, intervals, theory, and how to play it on the piano.

E Phrygian Scale Notes

The E Phrygian mode contains the following notes:

E – F – G – A – B – C – D

These notes come directly from the C major parent scale, starting on its 3rd degree (E).

E Phrygian Piano Diagram

This diagram highlights which keys belong to the E Phrygian scale, which is helpful for visualizing whole steps, half steps, and characteristic tones such as the flat 2 (F), which gives this scale its signature sound.

E Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals

The interval formula for the Phrygian mode is:

Half – Whole – Whole – Whole – Half – Whole – Whole

Applied to E, this gives us:

Thus, E Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:

This structure gives the Phrygian mode its characteristic minor quality combined with a distinctive lowered 2nd.

Chords in the Key of E Phrygian

When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the E Phrygian scale, the following diatonic chords emerge:

Related Scales and Modes

If you enjoy the sound of E Phrygian, you may also like:

E Phrygian Scale FAQs

How is E Phrygian different from E natural minor?

E Phrygian has a minor 2nd (F) while E natural minor has a major 2nd (F♯). These two scales are otherwise identical.

What is the parent scale of E Phrygian?

C major. E Phrygian uses the same notes as C major, but starts on its third degree (E).

Summary: E Phrygian Scale