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How to Use Phrygian Mode in Solo

If you have committed to learn music theory to help your understanding of composition or improve your ability to improvise, it won't be long before you move from learning scales to learning modes. Modes are variations on basic major and minor scales, so knowing your basic scales first will greatly increase your ability to use modes in a solo. The Phrygian mode, specifically, is a minor mode that is based on a note sequence that starts and ends on the third note of the major scale.

Things You'll Need

  • A musical instrument
  • A familiarity with the major scale
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the key in which you are soloing. Since the Phrygian mode begins on the third note of the major scale, knowing the key you are in will allow you to determine which major scale you will be using notes from.

    • 2

      If you are in the key of B, for example, and want to play the B Phrygian mode, you will need to know that B is the third note of the G Major scale.

    • 3

      When you have identified your key and which scale you will be using notes from, you are ready to begin. In our example, if you are playing in the key of B, then B will be your root now, and the remainder of the notes you play will be from the G Major scale.

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