E Phrygian Dominant Cuatro Venezolano Scale
Cuatro Venezolano scale — fretboard diagram
E Phrygian Dominant Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Phrygian Dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Gypsy scale, is the definitive sound of Flamenco, Klezmer, and Middle Eastern music. On Cuatro Venezolano, the notes are E, F, G#, A, B, C, D. It sounds exotic, passionate, and aggressive, and is a favorite for metal guitarists and composers of high-drama scores. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Scores. Notable players include Marty Friedman, Paco de Lucia, Ritchie Blackmore, Al Di Meola. Use over dominant chords in flamenco/metal contexts, especially V7 in harmonic minor. The go-to for 'Spanish' or 'Arabic' sounding lines.
Notes: E, F, G#, A, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: spanish, phrygian major
How to Play E Phrygian Dominant on Cuatro Venezolano
Begin by locating E on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Phrygian Dominant scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The E Phrygian Dominant scale contains 1 sharp (G#). Its relative major is G# major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the E Phrygian Dominant scale ascending and descending at 80 BPM using a metronome, one note per beat. Once comfortable, practice in thirds (E-G#, F-A) to build intervallic familiarity. Spend 5 minutes daily on this pattern before increasing tempo by 10 BPM.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on E to let the characteristic intervals of the Phrygian Dominant scale come through clearly.
Cuatro Venezolano Tips
Practice the E Phrygian Dominant scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The E Phrygian Dominant scale contains 7 notes (E, F, G#, A, B, C, D). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Cuatro Venezolano with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for E Phrygian Dominant
The E Phrygian Dominant scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore E Phrygian Dominant Further
- Browse chord progressions
- E Phrygian Dominant on Guitar
- E Phrygian Dominant on Ukulele
- E Phrygian Dominant on Bass
- E Phrygian Dominant on Piano