The Phyrigian Scale in Jazz

Now, let us build a scale on the third pitch, the third degree of the C Major scale. This is a Minor scale called the Phrygian mode.

Incidentally, if you want to know where these names come from, fill up your map of Greece, somebody, somewhere had a bright idea of naming scales after Greek provinces, do not ask me why. Anyway, you can see that the Phrygian scale has a half step between the first two notes.

Now, this half step along with the flat sixth is what gives the Phrygian scale its characteristic sound.

[Demonstration]

John Coltrane with the tune called transition that is just a Phrygian scale through out. This is pretty rare however, usually a Phrygian scale is used for just one section of a tune. Here is how it sounds with a solo.

[Demonstration]


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