About the E Phrygian b4 scale
E Phrygian b4 is used for metal, film scoring and tense modal writing. Think of it as a phrygian scale with its fourth lowered, extra dark.
Its notes are E, F, G, A♭, B, C, and D. The formula is H W H 1½ H W W. It is the third mode of C Harmonic Major.
On the piano, the mode touches the black key A♭.
Chords in the key of E Phrygian b4
Expand a chord to see how to play it.
i E minor
E minor over G (1st inversion)
ii F minor
F minor over A flat (1st inversion)
III G
G over B (1st inversion)
IV+ A flat augmented
A flat augmented over C (1st inversion)
v° B diminished
B diminished over D (1st inversion)
VI C
C over E (1st inversion)
vii° D diminished
D diminished over F (1st inversion)
Seventh chords in E Phrygian b4
The four-note version of each chord, richer and jazzier.
i E minor seven
E minor seven
ii F minor major seven
F minor major seven
III G seven
G seven
IV+ A flat major seven sharp five
A flat major seven sharp five
v° B diminished seven
B diminished seven
VI C major seven
C major seven
vii° D minor seven flat five
D minor seven flat five
Progressions in E Phrygian b4
Tap any chord to hear it, or play the whole progression.
Notes and intervals
| 1 | EE | Root |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | FF | Minor 2nd |
| 3 | GG | Minor 3rd |
| 4 | AbA♭ | Diminished 4th |
| 5 | BB | Perfect 5th |
| 6 | CC | Minor 6th |
| 7 | DD | Minor 7th |
| Steps | H W H 1½ H W W |
|---|---|
| Semitones | 1-2-1-3-1-2-2 |
| Degrees | 1 ♭2 ♭3 ♭4 5 ♭6 ♭7 |
Fingering
Suggested fingering, follows standard fingering rules
| Hand | E | F | G | A flat | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Right hand | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Left hand | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Shapes
Chromatic
Circle of Fifths
Related scales
Phrygian b4 in other keys
Modes
The same notes, starting on a different note.