E Phrygian Scale
The E Phrygian scale contains E – F – G – A – B – C – D. It uses no sharps or flats.
E Phrygian scale chart
Sharps and flats
E Phrygian has no sharps or flats. Its parent major scale is C major, which uses the same notes. See the chords in the key of C major.
Scale degrees
| Degree | Note | Semitones from E |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | 0 |
| b2 | F | 1 |
| b3 | G | 3 |
| 4 | A | 5 |
| 5 | B | 7 |
| b6 | C | 8 |
| b7 | D | 10 |
Step pattern
The Phrygian scale is built from the pattern H – W – W – W – H – W – W (W = whole step, H = half step). Apply that pattern from any starting note and you get the same mode in a different key.
Chords in E Phrygian
Building a triad on each degree of the scale gives you the chords that belong to it. These are the chords to reach for when writing in E Phrygian.
Other modes on E
More scales on E
Phrygian scale in other keys
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Phrygian scale?
The E Phrygian scale contains E, F, G, A, B, C, D, then returns to E an octave higher.
How many sharps or flats are in E Phrygian?
E Phrygian has no sharps or flats.
What is the step pattern of the Phrygian scale?
The Phrygian scale follows the whole/half step pattern H – W – W – W – H – W – W, where W is a whole step (two semitones) and H is a half step (one semitone).
Which chords work with the E Phrygian scale?
The diatonic chords are Em, F, G, Am, Bdim, C, Dm. Each is built only from notes of the E Phrygian scale, so they all belong to the same tonality — though the diminished chord carries a tritone and normally wants to resolve.