Phrygian Mode

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The third mode of the major scale is called the phrygian mode. The scale is essentially minor in sound, as it generates a minor seventh chord:

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The scale is indeed similar to the natural minor scale, except that the second is minor rather than major. This translates into a flat ninth of the corresponding chord:

[EXAMPLE]

The sound of the phrygian mode is rather exotic:

[EXAMPLE]

This scale is not ordinarily used over minor seventh chords except where the flat ninth is explicitly specified:

[EXAMPLE]

The scale is also used with the phrygian or 7susb9 chord that was discussed in an earlier section:

[EXAMPLE]

Copyright 2000 Outside Shore Music
Authored by Marc Sabatella

Phrygian Mode