Question 1

What is a Phrygian chord progression?

Accepted Answer

A Phrygian mode chord progression is a progression that uses the notes from the Phrygian scale. For example, the scale of E Phrygian is E, F, G, A, B, C, D.

Now if you want to make E Phrygian chord progressions it is best if you start and end your song on the tonic chord E minor. For your other chords, make sure that the lowered 2nd scale degree is part of those chords. In E Phrygian it is the note F. So the chords that you want to use more than others are, F major and D minor.

Question 2

What chord progression makes a Phrygian cadence?

Accepted Answer

There are multiple progressions that you can use to get a Phrygian mode cadence. But if you are looking for the true Phrygian cadence, then you need to use the major chord on the lowered 2nd scale degree that goes to the minor tonic chord. In C Phrygian that would be Db going to C minor.

Question 3

Is Phrygian a major or minor mode?

Accepted Answer

Phrygian is a minor-oriented mode. But Phrygian and natural minor (Aeolian) are not the same. Natural Minor has a major 2nd, while Phrygian has a lowered 2nd scale degree.

Question 4

When can I use Phrygian mode?

Accepted Answer

In your melodies, you can use the Phrygian mode on any minor chord that you like. It will give it some extra spice. If you are in the key of C major and an E minor chord is played, then you can accentuate that chord by playing the E Phrygian scale.

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