E Phrygian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
E Phrygian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Phrygian scale is the third mode of the major scale, defined by its immediate dark and tense character. On Piano, its notes are E, F, G, A, B, C, D. It has a strong Spanish or ethnic flavor, making it the definitive sound of Flamenco. In modern contexts, it is widely used in heavy metal to create an aggressive, brooding atmosphere. The diatonic chords of E Phrygian are Em7, FMaj7, G7, Am7, Bm7b5, CMaj7, Dm7. Commonly used in Flamenco, Metal, Djent, Middle Eastern. Notable players include Al Di Meola, Metallica, Meshuggah, Paco de Lucia. Use over sus(b9), m7 chords in Phrygian contexts. Often played over a droning root note or power chord. The b2 → 1 resolution is the mode's signature move.
Notes: E, F, G, A, B, C, D
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3m, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 b2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: H-W-W-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
Diatonic Chords
Em7 — FMaj7 — G7 — Am7 — Bm7♭5 — CMaj7 — Dm7
How to Play E Phrygian on Piano
On piano, the E Phrygian scale uses 0 black keys. Playing entirely on white keys, this is one of the most physically comfortable scales to learn. Use the standard 1-2-3-1-2-3-4-5 fingering for the right hand.
The E Phrygian scale uses no sharps or flats, consisting entirely of natural notes. Its relative major is G major, which shares the same key signature.
Practice Routine
Begin by playing the E Phrygian 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.
Try these progressions with the E Phrygian scale: Em7 - Am7 - Bm7b5 - Em7 (I-IV-V-I) or Em7 - FMaj7 - Am7 - Bm7b5 for a more stepwise movement.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the E Phrygian scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously.
The E Phrygian scale contains 7 notes (E, F, G, A, B, C, D). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.