E♯ Phrygian scale
The E♯ Phrygian scale is a 7-note phrygian scale built on the root E♯. Its notes are E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯ and D♯. Dark minor mode with a flat second - Spanish, flamenco and metal flavour. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make E♯ Phrygian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates instant tension over the tonic. Built on the root E♯, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where E♯ is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- E♯ · F♯ · G♯ · A♯ · B♯ · C♯ · D♯
- Formula
- 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m
- Step pattern
- H W W W H W W
- Tonic
- E♯
E♯ Phrygian on the piano
E♯ Phrygian on the guitar
E♯ Phrygian on the staff
Hear the E♯ Phrygian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the E♯ Phrygian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | E♯(E#) | |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | F♯(F#) | |
| 3 | 3m | 3 | G♯(G#) | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | A♯(A#) | |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | B♯(B#) | |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | C♯(C#) | |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | D♯(D#) |
Diatonic chords of E♯ Phrygian
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
Modes from E♯ Phrygian
Each note of this scale produces a different mode with its own character.
How to use the E♯ Phrygian scale
The diatonic chords of E♯ Phrygian are: i = E♯m, II = F♯, III = G♯, iv = A♯m, v° = B♯°, VI = C♯, vii = D♯m. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E♯ Phrygian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates instant tension over the tonic.
Practice tips
Lean on the flat second to immediately establish the phrygian sound. Great drill: alternate the root and flat second back and forth as a pedal.
Where you will hear E♯ Phrygian
E♯ Phrygian appears throughout phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. the flat second creates instant tension over the tonic. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The E♯ Phrygian scale follows a minor scale with a flat second degree (H-W-W-W-H-W-W). Step pattern: H - W - W - W - H - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3m · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Questions people ask
- What notes are in the E♯ Phrygian scale?
- The E♯ Phrygian scale contains E♯, F♯, G♯, A♯, B♯, C♯ and D♯.
- What is the formula for the E♯ Phrygian scale?
- E♯ Phrygian follows a minor scale with a flat second degree (H-W-W-W-H-W-W).
- Is E♯ Phrygian a major or minor scale?
- E♯ Phrygian is a phrygian scale. Dark minor mode with a flat second - Spanish, flamenco and metal flavour.
- What chords belong to the E♯ Phrygian scale?
- The diatonic chords of E♯ Phrygian are E♯m, F♯, G♯, A♯m, B♯°, C♯, D♯m.
- Which genres use E♯ Phrygian?
- Phrygian is the dark, exotic side of minor - think flamenco, metal, hip-hop and middle-eastern music. The flat second creates instant tension over the tonic.
- How do I practise the E♯ Phrygian scale?
- Lean on the flat second to immediately establish the phrygian sound. Great drill: alternate the root and flat second back and forth as a pedal.