Mode guide

Phrygian Mode: formula, chords, and sound

Phrygian is a minor mode with a flattened second. Learn its formula, hear E Phrygian, and focus on the half-step between E and F.

The short answer

Phrygian Mode is minor with close tension above the tonic

1♭2♭345♭6♭7

Phrygian differs from natural minor at the second degree. In E, F natural replaces the F♯ found in E Aeolian.

Example tonic
E
Home chord
E minor
Characteristic degree
minor 2nd

01

Hear E Phrygian

The F directly above E creates the mode’s clearest tension. The simple Em–F movement exposes it without extra harmonic detail. The characteristic note in this example is F.

E Phrygian scale

E – F – G – A – B – C – D – E

Sound loads when you first play.

02

Diatonic triads

These seven chords use only notes from the mode. The first chord is the tonal home.

Diatonic triads in E Phrygian
1♭2♭345♭6♭7
EmFGAmBdimCDm

03

Practice loop: i–♭II–i

This is a listening exercise, not a claim about the most common progression. Keep returning your ear to E minor.

Em – F – Em

i–♭II–i in E Phrygian.

Sound loads when you first play.

How to make the mode sound clear

  1. Repeat E–F–E slowly.
  2. Keep E in the bass under both chords.
  3. Compare F with F♯ to hear Phrygian become Aeolian.
Neighboring modeDorian ModeDorian is a minor mode with a major sixth. Learn its formula, hear D Dorian, and use the B natural that separates it from ordinary D minor.Neighboring modeLydian ModeLydian is a major mode with a raised fourth. Learn its formula, hear F Lydian, and use B natural to distinguish it from F major.Interactive toolInteractive circle of fifthsChoose a key or mode and hear its scale and diatonic chords.