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ENEN
Standard
Scales
Chords
C
Phrygian Dominant
Frets: 0 - 24

Formula
Notes

m2-m3-m2-M2-m2-M2
C
D
E
F
G
A
B
B
D
A
E
G
E
1
F
C
A
B
F
2
D
E
3
G
B
F
C
G
4
A
D
A
5
E
C
G
6
B
F
D
A
B
7
E
8
C
G
B
F
C
9
D
A
E
D
10
F
C
G
11
B
D
A
12
E
G
E
13
F
C
A
B
F
14
D
E
15
G
B
F
C
G
16
A
D
A
17
E
C
G
18
B
F
D
A
B
19
E
20
C
G
B
F
C
21
D
A
E
D
22
F
C
G
23
B
D
A
24

Basic Scale Information

  • Name: Phrygian Dominant
  • Type: Mode of the harmonic minor scale
  • Formula: 1 – ♭2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – ♭6 – ♭7
  • Relation with Major Scale: It is the fifth mode of the harmonic minor scale.

Theoretical Aspects

  • Sound Character: It has a very marked Arabic/Spanish sound. The major third and minor seventh create a strongly dominant but also exotic character.
  • Typical Chord: 7♭9
  • Modal Context: Ideal for creating tension on altered dominant chords in modal contexts. Frequently used to build ethnic melodies or extended dominants.
  • Harmonic Use: On V7 in minor keys, or for suspended dominants in exotic modal contexts.

Musical Context

  1. Musical Styles: Flamenco, Jazz, World, Metal
  2. Songs using the scale:
    • Spain - Chick Corea
    • Malagueña - Ernesto Lecuona
    • Oriental - Isaac Albéniz
    • Dance of the Maya - Mahavishnu Orchestra
  3. Evoked Atmosphere: Exotic, intense, dramatic, with strong rhythmic drive and tension.