The Phrygian mode on guitar
Natural minor with a lowered 2nd. That half step just above the root gives it a Spanish, metal edge.
E Phrygian
E1F♭2G♭3A4B5C♭6D♭7
Formula: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 · Steps: H · W · W · W · H · W · W (W = whole step, H = half step) · 7 notes
Where it sits on the neck
Every E Phrygian note from the open strings to the 12th fret, standard tuning. Gold dots are the root. Above the 12th fret the pattern repeats.
On a phone, swipe the diagram sideways to see the whole neck.
Songs that use it
- Wherever I May Roam (Metallica), in E Phrygian
In Fretdle
It's the daily board's scale on Saturdays. The scale's notes are hidden on the board: you only see the roots, so knowing this pattern is the whole game.