[ C Ionian ] [ Dorian mode ]
[Phrygian mode] [ Lydian mode ] [ Mixolydian Mode ]
[ Aeolian mode ] [ Locrian mode ]
[ Basic major scale fingerings ] [ F major modes ]
[ G Modes ] [ Constructing Scales ]
[ Key Signatures and constructing major scales ]
[ Modulation, cadence, progressions ]
E Phrygian mode in the key of C major
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- In the previous lesson we learned the Ionian mode,
which is C to C in the key of C major. C is the first note in the key of C.
- We also learned the Dorian mode, which is played
from D to D in C major. D is the second note of
the key of C and is a minor mode.
- Now we have to learn the Phrygian mode.
- The third chord of any Major key is always a minor. It is also always the Phrygian
mode. In the Key of G, B would be the Phrygian mode.
- Remember, all major keys are constructed the same. Major, minor, minor, Major,
Major, minor, diminished and Major.
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Now it's time to learn the Phrygian
mode. The Phrygian
mode in C Major will be E Phrygian. The Phrygian mode is the 3rd
mode of the Major Key.
E minor is the third chord or mode of C Major so
we will learn that position now. Look at the image below and check out
the notes and positioning of the E Phrygian
mode. I prefer the dark sound of the minors
over the happy sounding Major scales. You can
write some really neat sounding progressions using the Phrygian mode. The Phrygian mode in the key of C
major would have the notes and chords of: Em F G Am B dim C Dm. This would be E to E in the key of C major. Here's one
fingering pattern you can use to play this mode.
Tablature below.
------------------------------------------------------------------12-13-15-
-----------------------------------------------------12-13-15--------------
-----------------------------------------12-14-16--------------------------
----------------------------12-14-15---------------------------------------
---------------12-14-15----------------------------------------------------
-12-13-15------------------------------------------------------------------
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- Check it out, you can see the Em pentatonic scale root note fret
here in this picture. Since the Phrygian mode
is a minor mode, you will also find the minor E minor pentatonic here.
- This is very important information. If you were playing over an Em
progression, you could use this mode or the Em pentatonic scale or both.
- Example of Phrygian
played a little heavy.
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- Compare the Am pentatonic root note fret, to the E Phrygian mode
above. The fingering for the root note fret is:
- 1-4, 1-3, 1-3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4
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Take a look at the image below and notice the fingering
pattern. Since this is one of the most popular positions to play this
mode, I will
concentrate on showing you it played starting at this position. But
remember, this mode and all the other modes can be played in other positions. You just need to
find an E at another location and play from E to E.
All of the modes in the Key of C major have the same notes. If you
play from C to C you would be playing the C Major Ionian mode. If you played from D
to D in C Major, you would be playing the Dorian
mode. E to E is the Phrygian
mode.
Don't let all the names get you confused. Once you learn the Key of C,
all the other Major keys will be a breeze to learn. Notice the E notes
are highlighted in the image
below.
To play this mode you would start at the 12th fret Low
E string 1 finger. If you have a problem, please go back
and review. Play this mode a few hundred times. Play this mode and all
the others covered in the triplet form. 1,2,4, 2,4,1, 4,1,3, 1,3,4 3,4,1 and
so on through the mode.
I don't want this to confuse you, but notice on the image above that
you have an E minor root note fret, just like the A minor root note fret
we learned at the 5th fret for A minor pentatonic. Soon you will see the
big picture, that is if you haven't all ready. You can play Em
pentatonic since it fits in above or you can play E Phrygian. Lay
down the Em, G, and C chords. Play E Phrygian and then Em
pentatonic over the Em chord. Em pentatonic root note fret 12
fret, 1-4, 1-3, 1-3, 1-3, 1-4, 1-4. Play the same over the G chord
or switch to E Aeolian. E, F#, G, A, B, C, D, E, This is in the
key of G major.
Play C major pentatonic over the C, but at the 12th fret
position. Recall the Am pentatonic position starting on the E note
12th fret. Play from C to C. Don't let this confuse you, you can
play C major pentatonic over the C chord, Am pentatonic shares the
same notes though.
In the next lesson we will cover F to F
in C Major. This is called the Lydian
mode and it is a Major mode, since the F is a major chord.
Good luck,
From the Jam Room
