Phrygian Mode is the 3rd mode of the major scale.
Phrygian mode’s formula is: R b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7 R
The notes in C Phrygian mode are: C Db Eb F G Ab Bb C
It’s parent major scale is Ab major: Ab Bb C Db Eb F G A Bb
The interval structure for Phrygian Mode is:
Semi-Tone, Tone, Tone, Tone, Semi-Tone. Tone, Tone
or
Half, Whole, Whole, Whole, Half, Whole, Whole
Tone=2 frets, Major Second
Semi-Tone=1 fret, Minor Second
Whole Step=2 frets, Major Second
Half Step=1 fret, Minor Second
From an ear training perspective, Phrygian mode sounds Minor and Dark. You can hear it in the Flamenco Dance music of Southern Spain and in the chord progressions of Heavy Metal artists such as Metallica and Megadeth…
Auditory Association (Songs):
- Race with Devil on Spanish Highway- Al DiMeola
- White Rabbit – Jefferson Airplane
- For the Love of God – Steve Vai