The Phrygian Mode

Phrygian mode/scale is synonymous with many rock rifts, songs and compositions. Many rock songs are based on phrygian influences. Flashy rifts and speed picking are the characteristics of many rock groups. The strategy of playing three, four notes per string is a useful procedure to develop.

The A phrygian starts from the 3rd note of the F major scale:

F Major Scale:F G A Bb C D E F

Intervals-----1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 of F Major Scale

When playing the phrygian scale e.g. A phrygian, note that the 7 patterns to use is the b6 of A which is the key of F maj.

The A Phrygian Scale. Phrygian Mode Scale

The notes A Bb C D E F G A forms the A Phrygian Scale.

In the pdf file the 1st measure has two octaves of the phrygian scale written out.

The tabs will help you adjust the fingering positions that best suits you.

F Major Scale Positions and Patterns. F Major Scale and it's 7 positions

These 7 patterns derived from the F Major scale will help to refresh your memory.

Do practice and apply these patterns over your phrygian solos.

When playing over any phrygian chords think a b6 major chord/scale above the root e.g. A phrygian b6 above it is F Major

Try to develop a steady pulse when practicing the scales. Play 3 notes to a string then 4 notes to a string and move through all the 7 patterns.

Diatonic Triads in the Phrygian Mode. A Phrygian Chords and Patterns

In measure 2 the diatonic chords of A phrygian are listed.

Chords are: Ami Bb C Dmi Edim F Gmi Ami.

If the melody note permits these triads can be nterchangeable, the golden rule is the melody that dictates.

Diatonic Block Chords in A Phrygian.

The Chords in measure 6 are:Ami7 BbMaj7 C7 Dmi7 Emi7b5 FMaj7 G7 Ami7.

These block chords give you more color and movement but triads, have their own characteristics.

Playing over the Chord Changes

The 7 patterns of the F Major scale can be used over the A Phrygian mode. Finale A Phrigian Chords and patterns

The basic triads and block chords are a support for the melody and your solo. Measures 1-8 contain the melody, measures 9-12 is where you star playing the F Major 7 patterns over the chord changes.

Any of the 7 patterns can be used to play over the changes. When improvising use your discretion and taste for color and choice notes.

Summary of phrygian mode/scale

The A phrygian scale is built from the 3rd note of the F Major Scale: A Bb C D E F G A

The triads/block chords are stacked in thirds to form the diatonic chords. Intervals of 4ths 5ths and mixed structures are best used.

When building solos work on the patterns and use intervals with wide leaps as it creates interesting lines.

If you have a friend get him to play out the changes and you can solo over the changes and keep changing the 7 patterns at different positions.

Moving on to the lesson Lydian Modal Scale.

Lydian Modal Scale

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