The Phrygian scale is a minor-type mode with a b2, giving it a more tense sound than the natural minor scale.
In this lesson, you’ll learn the Phrygian formula, compare it with natural minor, play it across the fretboard, and use its characteristic b2 in musical examples.
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Start with one natural minor scale shape and lower the 2nd to create Phrygian. Listen to the tension between the b2 and root, then use that note intentionally in a short melodic phrase.
Phrygian scale formula
The Phrygian scale has the formula 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7.
An easy way to understand it is to start with the natural minor scale and lower the 2nd by one half step.
- E natural minor: E, F#, G, A, B, C, D
- E Phrygian: E, F, G, A, B, C, D
The b2 is the characteristic note that gives Phrygian its distinct sound.
We can also look at the phrygian scale formula in terms of whole and half steps. The formula would be half, whole, whole, whole, half, whole, and whole step between the scale notes. See the image below.
Play E natural minor, then E Phrygian. Listen specifically to F# changing to F. Repeat the two scales and focus on the half-step movement between F and the root note E.
You can also find the Major scale that contains the same notes by looking a Major 3rd below the Phrygian root. For example, C Phrygian uses the same notes as Ab Major, and D Phrygian uses the same notes as Bb Major.
Phrygian scale examples with tabs
Here are some different Phrygian scales in music notation with guitar tabs below. The numbers above the notes on the top staff indicate which fingers to use on your fretting hand. If needed, check out how to read guitar notation symbols.
The examples below show Phrygian from several roots. Start with one key and listen for the b2 before using the remaining examples as references.
C phrygian scale example
D phrygian scale example
E phrygian scale example
F phrygian scale example
G phrygian scale example
A phrygian scale example
B phrygian scale example
Phrygian scales chart
Use this chart as a reference when you want to build Phrygian from another root. The formula stays 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7.
| Phrygian scale | 1 | b2 | b3 | 4 | 5 | b6 | b7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C phrygian scale | C | Db | Eb | F | G | Ab | Bb |
| D phrygian scale | D | Eb | F | G | A | Bb | C |
| E phrygian scale | E | F | G | A | B | C | D |
| F phrygian scale | F | Gb | Ab | Bb | C | Db | Eb |
| G phrygian scale | G | Ab | Bb | C | D | Eb | F |
| A phrygian scale | A | Bb | C | D | E | F | G |
| B phrygian scale | B | C | D | E | F# | G | A |
| Db phrygian scale | Db | D | E | Gb | Ab | A | B |
| Eb phrygian scale | Eb | E | Gb | Ab | Bb | B | Db |
| Gb phrygian scale | Gb | G | A | B | Db | D | E |
| Ab phrygian scale | Ab | A | B | Db | Eb | E | Gb |
| Bb phrygian scale | Bb | B | Db | Eb | F | Gb | Ab |
5 Phrygian scale guitar shapes
The following section shows you the 5 phrygian scale shapes throughout the guitar fretboard.
How to read the scale charts
For the charts below:
- The lowest horizontal line represents the thickest string (Low E). The top horizontal line represents the thinnest string (high E).
- The green circles represent the root note of the phrygian scale and the blue notes are every scale note in between.
- The numbers inside the circles represent the suggested fingering to use on your fretting hand.
If needed, check out how to read guitar notation symbols.
The five shapes below show Phrygian across the fretboard. Start with one position that feels comfortable and use the remaining shapes later to expand into neighboring areas.
Phrygian scale shape 1
Choose one root and play Shape 1 slowly. Find the root, b2, b3, and b7 inside the shape. Play it again and listen especially to the b2 resolving back to the root.
Phrygian scale shape 2
Phrygian scale shape 3
Phrygian scale shape 4
Phrygian scale shape 5
A useful way to learn these positions is to compare them with natural minor shapes you already know. The notes stay the same except for the 2nd, which moves down one fret.
Take one familiar natural minor shape, find every natural 2nd, and lower each one by one fret. Play the new shape and listen for the Phrygian sound.
Phrygian scale guitar application examples
Phrygian works best when the harmony supports its b2 sound. The following examples show different ways to use the scale over minor harmony and hear that characteristic tension.
Application 1 – D phrygian scale
Play the D Phrygian example, then create a short phrase of your own that includes Eb, the b2. Compare it with a phrase that uses E instead and listen to how the sound changes.
Application 2 – E phrygian scale
Application 3: B phrygian scale
The remaining examples give you more ways to hear and phrase the same Phrygian sound from other roots.
Application 4: C phrygian scale
Application 5: A phrygian scale
Put on a minor chord or simple backing track where Phrygian fits. First alternate between the root and b2 so you can hear their half-step tension. Then create two short phrases: one that avoids the b2 and another that uses it intentionally. Compare how clearly the Phrygian sound comes through.
Wrapping up
Phrygian has the formula 1, b2, b3, 4, 5, b6, b7. Compared with natural minor, the only change is the lowered 2nd.
Start with one natural minor shape you already know, lower the 2nd, and spend time hearing the half-step tension between the b2 and root.
From there, the additional shapes and application examples in this lesson give you more ways to use Phrygian across the fretboard and in different musical settings.
Before continuing
You’re ready to continue when you can turn one natural minor shape into Phrygian by lowering the 2nd, identify the root, b2, b3, and b7, and use the b2 intentionally in a short phrase over minor harmony.
Next: Continue in the Mastery Roadmap to explore the next modal sound and its characteristic notes.
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