Spanish Phrygian Scale

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The scale obtained by adding a major third to the phrygian mode is called the Spanish phrygian scale, because it is reminiscent of flamenco music:

[EXAMPLE]

This scale may be used anywhere the phrygian mode would have been used, such as over minor seventh flat nine chords and phrygian or sus flat nine chords. The major third means that the chord can also generate a dominant seventh chord with a flat and sharp nine and a sharp five:

[EXAMPLE]

Therefore, the Spanish phrygian scale can be used over altered dominant chords.

The most common usage of the Spanish phrygian scale is in music that uses a I-bII-bIII progression. This progression has a flamenco feel to it:

[EXAMPLE]

The Spanish phrygian scale of the I chord fits all three chords:

[EXAMPLE]

Chick Corea used this progression in several composition, including La Fiesta:

[EXAMPLE]

It is interesting to note that this scale is actually the third mode of the major bebop scale:

[EXAMPLE]

I have not noticed this scale being used in a bebop context, however.

Copyright 2000 Outside Shore Music
Authored by Marc Sabatella

Spanish Phrygian Scale