Phrygian mode
The third mode of the major scale, built on the third degree, characterised by a half step between the first and second degrees
In Depth
The Phrygian mode's signature sound comes from the semitone between the first and second degrees, giving it a dark, exotic quality that has been associated with Spanish and Middle Eastern music. Its interval pattern is H-W-W-W-H-W-W. In the Renaissance, Phrygian was one of the eight church modes and was considered suitable for penitential texts. In flamenco, the Phrygian dominant scale (with a raised third) is the foundation of the entire harmonic language. Modern metal and progressive rock also exploit its brooding character.
The Phrygian cadence — a half cadence ending iv6–V in minor — was one of the most common cadential patterns in Baroque music and is named after this mode.