Writing Exotic Music with Phrygian Dominant- 5th mode of Harmonic Minor [MUSIC THEORY – SCALES]
- How to build the scale
- The chords it creates
- Examples in popular music
- Most importantly: how to use it musically
Recommended Prerequisite Videos:
The Phrygian Scale
Harmonic Minor Scale
These will help you understand modes and harmonic minor theory, which are crucial for this lesson.
What Is the Phrygian Dominant Scale?
Phrygian Dominant is similar to the Phrygian mode—but with a major third instead of a minor third. Think of it as Phrygian + a raised 3rd.
E Phrygian Dominant Scale:
E – F – G♯ – A – B – C – D – E
This scale has a distinctly ethnic, exotic, and Middle Eastern flavor. It’s essential in Arabic music (known as Hejaz), and it’s found in Turkish, Egyptian, and Indian (Carnatic) music.
Basic Application: Pedal Tone
An easy way to start is to drone on the root note (e.g., low E), then play the scale on top:
Pluck the low E string repeatedly (pedal tone)
Play the E Phrygian Dominant scale over it/p>
This evokes a traditional Middle Eastern sound.
You can also try this technique on a piano by droning the low E and playing the scale above it—it still sounds fantastic even without advanced piano skills.
Chords in Phrygian Dominant
Most useful chords to emphasize:
- E major (I)
- F major (♭II)
- D minor (♭VII)
These alone can create the Phrygian Dominant flavor. Try strumming between E and F major with a Latin rhythm. You can also play F major over an E bass note for that iconic sound.
Lead Playing Techniques
Here are four strategies for creating lead parts:
Arpeggios
Outline the underlying chord using arpeggios
Use E major arpeggios over E, F major over F
Add a sharp 4 (♯11) to F for more color
Diminished Arpeggios
Use diminished 7th shapes to add tension
Even if not playing over a diminished chord, it sounds great with a pedal tone
Pedal Points
Return to a specific note repeatedly (like open E)
Try pedaling to B (the 5th of E) as well
Polymeters
Create patterns in odd groupings (e.g., a 10-note phrase over 4/4 time)
This adds rhythmic tension and resolves beautifully back into time
Tips for Tasteful Use
This scale is powerful—and easy to overuse. A good example of subtlety is again in Tool’s “46 & 2”, where the guitarist uses a flat 3rd to temporarily tame the scale’s drama before returning to the natural 3rd.
- Use Phrygian Dominant in short bursts
- Consider blending it with related minor scales for contrast
- Avoid writing whole sections in it unless you’re going for full intensity
Examples in Popular Music
Some famous uses of the Phrygian Dominant scale:
- The Offspring – “Come Out and Play”
- Uses the first five notes with a bend
- Dream Theater – “In the Name of God”
- A staple in their progressive metal style
- Tool – “46 & 2”
- Built on a D Phrygian Dominant bassline
Additional Material
PDF + Tabs at my Patreon: https://bit.ly/2zFwzOO
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Phrygian Dominant is the fifth mode of Harmonic Minor and one of my favorite scales due to its exotic and dramatic sound. This video goes over the basics, as well as the chords in the scale and many methods of applying it all to making music across different instruments, including how to write solos and leads.
This scale is very close in structure to the Byzantine scale (AKA Double Harmonic Major).
Suggested pre-requisite videos
Harmonic Minor- https://youtu.be/UkGIfrdMgTA
Phrygian – https://youtu.be/ZnoKgWnMEq8
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Free online guitar lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced players. Located in Crystal Lake, Jake Lizzio provides free jam tracks and video lessons for guitar players, as well as music theory videos and other music education content.