E Phrygian dom

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E Phrygian dom Scale

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Step pattern H – W+H – H – W – H – W – W

E Phrygian dom contains 7 notes: E, F, G♯, A, B, C, D. It has 1 sharp: G♯. The step pattern is H–W+H–H–W–H–W–W. It is derived from E Harmonic Minor.

Phrygian dominant is the quintessential flamenco and Middle Eastern scale. The tension between its flat 2nd and major 3rd creates an instantly recognizable exotic sound.

Theory

Built as 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - b6 - b7, this is the 5th mode of harmonic minor and the natural scale of the dominant chord in minor keys. The augmented 2nd between b2 and 3 is its signature interval. The tonic chord is a dominant 7th with b9 and b13. In Middle Eastern music it corresponds to Maqam Hijaz.

On the guitar

Guitarists frequently harmonize this scale in thirds and dyads for metal riffs. In flamenco, it drives the Andalusian cadence (Am - G - F - E). Try playing it over static dominant or sus chords rooted on the low E string for maximum drama. Power chord riffs on the b2 and root are a metal staple.

Piano

Staff

Chords in E Phrygian dom

iii°

G♯dim

v°

Bdim

VI+

Caug

vii

Common progressions

Related scales

E Harmonic minor E Melodic minor

Arpeggios

E Major Arpeggio

Also known as

E Phrygian dominantE Spanish gypsyE FreygishE HijazE Maqam HijazE Maqam Hijaz-NahawandE Ahava RabbaE Hava NagilaE HitzazE AlhijazE FlamencoE Camel ScaleE Vakulabharanam

Common in

FlamencoMetalMiddle EasternJazzClassical

Examples

In the Name of God - Dream Theater
Fallen - Symphony X
Themata - Karnivool
Entre dos aguas - Paco de Lucia