Phrygian

Phrygian is the 3rd mode of the major scale (step pattern H – W – W – W – H – W – W; from E: E – F – G – A – B – C – D). Very dark minor with a half-step above the tonic. Spanish, Flamenco, and metal flavor — exotic, tense, and mysterious.

Like natural minor but with a b2 as well. The lowered second degree is the defining feature, creating immediate tension above the root.

Where you hear it: Flamenco, metal, dark film scores — Carlos Santana solos, Joe Satriani's "War", Moorish and Andalusian music.