Phrygian Mode Singing Lesson

Hello GMC! Welcome to a new Singing lesson! In this one we’ll continue exploring the different modes. As you know this training is very important for singers and also for composing and do improvisations.

Throw these lessons we are doing a strong ear training that will help you a lot to make easier the connection between you mind and your voice and also between you mind and your fingers.

Today we’ll talk about the Phrygian mode. This mode is like a natural minor (Aeolian) scale but with the 2nd degree minor. Here you have an example: if you want to convert the E natural minor scale to E Phrygian mode you have to change the 2nd grade and make it flat. In this case the F# of the E minor scale would be F natural in E Phrygian.

Check the theory board if you want a deeper analysis of the modes. The idea of this lesson is to incorporate the sound of this mode and to feel familiar with it. If you listen to my improvisation you’ll hear the main characteristic of this mode is that it sounds like Spanish (it’s often used in Flamenco style) but it also sounds like Arabian. However this mode is used a lot in metal, hard rock and alternative. Check the music of Alice in Chains, Yngwie Malmsteen, Tool, etc.

Well, first listen many times to the improvisation of the main video and then go to the next parts where we’ll practice the scale. Then use the backing track to create your own singing improvisations.

Good luck!