Phrygian Dominant Scale

The Phrygian dominant scale, also known as the Spanish Phrygian scale, is a seven-note scale that is derived from the harmonic minor scale. It has an exotic, Middle Eastern sound and is often used in flamenco, jazz, and metal music.

Structure of the Phrygian Dominant Scale

The Phrygian dominant scale follows the pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) as follows:


H - W+H - H - W - H - W - W

Example: E Phrygian Dominant Scale

The E Phrygian dominant scale consists of the following notes:


E - F - G# - A - B - C - D - E

Sound and Character

The Phrygian dominant scale has an exotic, Middle Eastern sound due to the raised third degree. It is often used to create a sense of drama and intensity in music.

Applications of the Phrygian Dominant Scale

The Phrygian dominant scale is used in various musical contexts, including:

  • Melody: Creating exotic and dramatic melodies.
  • Harmony: Adding tension and intensity to chord progressions.
  • Improvisation: Soloing with an exotic, Middle Eastern sound.

Chords Derived from the Phrygian Dominant Scale

The Phrygian dominant scale can be used to derive the following chords:

  • Major chords (e.g., E)
  • Minor chords (e.g., Am)
  • Diminished chords (e.g., B°)

Songs That Use the Phrygian Dominant Scale

Here are some songs that use the Phrygian dominant scale:

  • "Misirlou" by Dick Dale
  • "Hava Nagila" (Traditional Jewish folk song)
  • "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin
  • "Phrygian Gates" by John Adams
  • "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits
  • "Symphony of Destruction" by Megadeth

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help you get familiar with the Phrygian dominant scale:

  1. Play the E Phrygian dominant scale on your instrument, ascending and descending.
  2. Write out the notes of the Phrygian dominant scale in different keys and play them on your instrument.
  3. Practice improvising using the Phrygian dominant scale to create exotic and dramatic sounds.
  4. Compose a short melody using the Phrygian dominant scale and play it on your instrument.
  5. Analyze a piece of music that uses the Phrygian dominant scale and identify the scale's role in the composition.
  6. Practice playing the chords derived from the Phrygian dominant scale in different keys.
  7. Improvise a solo using the Phrygian dominant scale over a backing track in a flamenco or metal style.
  8. Transcribe a solo or melody that uses the Phrygian dominant scale and play it on your instrument.
  9. Create a chord progression using chords derived from the Phrygian dominant scale and play it on your instrument.
  10. Experiment with combining the Phrygian dominant scale with other scales in your improvisation.

 

 

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