Phrygian Dominant
Introduction
Phrygian Dominant is the fifth mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. It’s one of the most widely used modes in the Harmonic Minor family, known for its Middle Eastern, flamenco, and gypsy sound.
Structure
Formula: 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
Interval formula: H – A2 – H – W – H – W – W
Example:
E Phrygian Dominant (from A Harmonic Minor):
E – F – G♯ – A – B – C – D
Use Cases
- Flamenco
- Klezmer music
- Metal solos (e.g. Yngwie Malmsteen)
Diatonic Triads
| Degree | Chord Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | Major | E |
| ii° | Diminished | Fdim |
| III+ | Augmented | G♯+ |
| iv | Minor | Am |
| v | Minor | Bm |
| VI | Major | C |
| vii° | Diminished | Ddim |
Diatonic 7th Chords
| Degree | Chord Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I | Dominant 7 | E7 |
| ii° | Half-Diminished | Fm7♭5 |
| III+ | Major 7♯5 | G♯maj7♯5 |
| iv | Minor 7 | Am7 |
| v | Minor 7 | Bm7 |
| VI | Major 7 | Cmaj7 |
| vii° | Diminished 7 | Ddim7 |
Common Progressions
- I - iv - VII: E - Am - Ddim
- I - v - iv: E - Bm - Am
