The E Phrygian Scale

The E Phrygian Scale consists of the following notes: E F G A B C D E

The E Phrygian Scale is played at the Open Position meaning that we don't use our index finger (it can be thought of as being the open position), we place our second finger (middle) on the first fret, our third finger (ring) on the second fret, our fourth finger (pinky) on the third fret.


String        Finger        Fret
E               0 2    4        0 1  3
A               0   3  4        0  2 3
D               0   3  4        0  2 3
G               0   3            0  2
B               0 2     4       0 1   3 
E               0 2     4       0  1   3

Practise playing the scale forwards and backwards
Remember to stay on the TIPS of your fingers
Play SLOWLY and TO A BEAT, tapping your foot is a great way to play to a beat
Say the notes as you play the scale, starting with E F G A B C D E F E...

THEORY TIDBIT

The E Phrygian Scale gets its name based on the fact that it starts on an E and follows a pattern known as Phrygian.  Phrygian is thought of as going from Mi to Mi (Mi Fa So La Ti Do Re Mi) or in this case, E to E (E F G A B C D E).

At this point we have now learned four scales: B Locrian, A Minor, F Lydian and E Phrygian.  You should be able to play these forwards and backwards while saying the notes as you go along.  The theory behind these scales will be explained in later lessons, but the important thing is to familiarize your fingers with the positions in each of these scales.  You should practise playing without looking at your fingers for the best results.