E Phrygian Scale on Guitar
The E Phrygian scale contains E, F, G, A, B, C and D — 7 notes. Every position is marked across the whole fretboard below, labelled with note names and with interval numbers, and the tuning of each string can be changed.
| Degree | 1 | ♭2 | ♭3 | 4 | 5 | ♭6 | ♭7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | E | F | G | A | B | C | D |
| Interval | Root | Minor 2nd | Minor 3rd | Perfect 4th | Perfect 5th | Minor 6th | Minor 7th |
Note names

Interval numbers

Circle of fifths
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Phrygian scale?
E, F, G, A, B, C and D. That is 7 notes.
What is the interval pattern of the E Phrygian scale?
1-2-2-2-1-2-2, counting in semitones from the root: E to F is 1 semitone, F to G is 2, G to A is 2, A to B is 2, B to C is 1, C to D is 2 and D back up to E is 2.
Which chords go with the E Phrygian scale?
The triads built from its own notes: Em, F, G, Am, B°, C and Dm. Those are the chords that will sound consonant over it.
Which major scale is the E Phrygian scale a mode of?
C major — E Phrygian is its third mode. Both contain the same 7 notes; only the note that feels like home is different.
Which smaller scales fit inside the E Phrygian scale?
C Major Pentatonic, D Minor Pentatonic, G Dominant Pentatonic (Mixolydian Pentatonic) and D Minor Sixth Pentatonic. Every note of those is also in the E Phrygian scale, so they can be played over it.
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