E Phrygian Scale
The E Phrygian scale is the 3rd 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 scale contains the following notes:
E – F – G – A – B – C – DThese 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 the overall shape of the scale on the keyboard.
E Phrygian Scale Formula and Intervals
The interval formula for the Phrygian scale is:
H – W – W – W – H – W – WApplied to E, this gives us:
- E → F
- F → G
- G → A
- A → B
- B → C
- C → D
- D → E
Thus, E Phrygian is built with the following scale degrees:
- Root (E)
- Minor 2nd (F)
- Minor 3rd (G)
- Perfect 4th (A)
- Perfect 5th (B)
- Minor 6th (C)
- Minor 7th (D)
This structure gives the Phrygian mode its characteristic minor quality combined with a distinctive flat 2nd.
Chords in the Key of E Phrygian
When stacking thirds on each scale degree of the E Phrygian scale, the following diatonic triads emerge:
- E minor (i)
- F major (II)
- G major (III)
- A minor (iv)
- B diminished (v°)
- C major (VI)
- D minor (vii)
Related Scales and Modes
If you enjoy playing in E Phrygian, you may also like:
- E Phrygian Dominant (Phrygian with a major 3rd)
- E minor
- E Locrian
- C major (parent scale)
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♯).
What is the parent scale of E Phrygian?
C major. E Phrygian uses the same notes as C major, but starts on its 3rd degree (E).
Summary: E Phrygian Scale
- Notes: E, F, G, A, B, C, D
- Mode: 3rd mode of C major
- Formula: H, W, W, W, H, W, W