Phrygian

TQ-Explore Activity

Focus Three Explore World Sounds

The Phrygian mode is named after the people of Phrygia.

A map highlighting Phrygia around 700 BCE, indicating a cultural connection with symbols representing Italy, Greece, and Turkey.

The Phrygian mode is another ancient Greek mode that developed into one of the church modes during the Middle Ages. It has a very distinctive sound, often described as dark, intense, Spanish, or even dramatic.

You will often hear the Phrygian mode in music from Spain (especially flamenco), some heavy metal, certain jazz pieces, and in film scores to create suspense or a sense of gravity.

TQ Build Activity

Focus Nine Ancient Sounds

To play the E Phrygian mode, simply start on the note E and play all the white notes on a piano until you reach the next E.

The E Phrygian mode uses the notes: E - F - G - A - B - C - D - E

The Phrygian mode sounds like a minor scale, but it has one very special note that makes it sound quite unique and often dramatic.

First, play the E natural minor scale (E-F#-G-A-B-C-D-E).

Then, play E Phrygian. Can you hear the difference?

F natural (the second note) is the 'special' note that gives the Phrygian mode its unique sound. It is a tiny change, but it makes a big difference. Compared to the E natural minor scale, the F natural creates a very close, tense sound right at the beginning of the scale. Sometimes, musicians call this note the 'flat second' because it is a little lower than the usual second note in a major or minor scale.

If a major scale is like a "regular happy face," and a minor scale is like a "thoughtful face," then the Phrygian mode is like a "dramatic face with intense eyes," because of that one changed note right at the start.

You can hear the Phrygian mode in many traditional Spanish and flamenco pieces. It is also found in pieces like Wherever I May Roam by Metallica (in a different key, but the Phrygian sound is clear) and in various dramatic film and video game soundtracks.

Wherever I May Roam by Metallica

In me Transierunt by Orlando de Lasson

If Ionian is 'happy and straightforward,'

Mixolydian is 'heroic and adventurous,'

Dorian is 'cool and thoughtful,' and Lydian is 'dreamy and magical,' the

Phrygian mode is 'intense and dramatic.'

TQ-Create Activity

Focus seven, create a piece using level scales, modes and chords

Using only the white notes, try to write a very short melody (4-8 notes) that starts and ends on E, and try to make it sound 'dramatic' or 'Spanish.'

Remember that F natural is your special note.

Manuscript Paper Download

TQ Grow Activity

Focus two, complete a simple research project

Phrygian Mode Questions.

What are some moods the Phrygian mode can create?
In E Phrygian, which note is different compared to a regular E natural minor scale?
Name one type of music where the Phrygian mode is often used.
How might a piece of music in E Phrygian sound (e.g., bright, sad, dreamy, intense)?

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