Phrygian Mode

Very dark minor with a half-step above the tonic. Spanish, Flamenco, and metal flavor — exotic, tense, and mysterious. Built from the 3rd degree of the major scale, its step pattern is H – W – W – W – H – W – W; from E the notes are E – F – G – A – B – C – D. Like natural minor but with a b2 as well. The lowered second degree is the defining feature, creating immediate tension above the root.