Understanding the Chords of E Phrygian

Introduction to E Phrygian

The Phrygian mode is one of the seven diatonic modes and is widely used in music theory and composition. It is the second mode of the harmonic minor scale and is often compared with the natural minor scale due to its similar structure. The unique characteristic that sets it apart is the sharpened second degree. For E Phrygian, this means the pitch E to F is played as E to F#. Understanding E Phrygian involves recognizing its scale and how to derive chords from it.

Comparing E Phrygian to C Major

E Phrygian can be seen as a modified version of the C major scale. This is because C major has an interval pattern of Whole-Half-Whole-Whole-Whole-Whole-Half. When starting the C major scale from the note E, the interval pattern becomes Half-Whole-Whole-Whole-Whole-Half-Whole, which is the definition of the Phrygian mode. Thus, while the root note changes, the other notes in the scale follow the same pattern as C major, making it easier to understand once you know the C major scale.

Building Triads in E Phrygian

A triad is a combination of three notes, built from a scale. In the context of E Phrygian, we start with the G# (the third note) as the root, forming a G# major triad. Using the scale notes, the next triad formed on A is A minor, followed by B diminished, C# major, D minor, E diminished, and finally F# major. Each triad is built on the root, third, and fifth notes of the scale.

Exploring the Scale of E Phrygian

Notes of E Phrygian

The notes of the E Phrygian scale are as follows:

E F# G# A B C# D# (or Eb)

Scale Construction

The construction of the E Phrygian scale involves altering the C major scale by raising the second degree (F to F#) and lowering the sixth and seventh degrees (B to Bb and C to Cb respectively). This process transforms the pattern of whole and half steps into:

Half-step (Eb to E) Whole-step (E to F#) Whole-step (F# to G#) Whole-step (G# to A) Whole-step (A to B) Whole-step (B to C#) Half-step (C# to D# or Eb)

Applying E Phrygian in Music

E Phrygian is often used in rock, metal, and flamenco music due to its distinctive and slightly melancholic sound. Its unique sound is due to the flat second degree, which gives it a minor quality while the augmented third and diminished fifth provide a sense of tension and resolution.

Conclusion

While the concept of E Phrygian and its associated chords may seem complex at first, with a solid understanding of music theory, it is quite manageable. Once you grasp the scale and how to build triads, it opens up a world of possibilities for composing and improvising in various musical genres.

Related Resources

For further exploration, consider checking out books on music theory, listening to E Phrygian inspired music, and practicing playing the scale and chords on a keyboard or guitar. Online tutorials and song analysis can also provide valuable insights.