4 Phrygian mode chord progressions (Phrygian explained)

The Phrygian mode can be used for more than just exotic modal harmony. Learn how to write your own Phrygian chord progressions.
Along the way I also talk about songwriting tips for composing music and melodies in the Phrygian mode.
Let's get creative :-)

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00:00 - Intro
00:30 - How to make a Phrygian scale / resource
00:51 - 1st Phrygian chord progression
02:01 - 2nd Phrygian chord progression
02:58 - 3rd Phrygian chord progression
04:15 - 4th Phrygian chord progression
05:07 - Chromatic mediants
05:28 - How to make a phrygian chord progression

#LearningMusicSkills #Phrygian #Musictheory #Harmony #Songwriting #Songwritingtips #Composing #Chordprogressions

[LearningMusicSkills]

If you have any topic requests, be sure to let me know below. Thanks for watching!
At 2'16 the Gm chord is labelled as vi. This should be vii of course!

[starfishsystems]

These are great guidelines for understanding how to get the most out of the Phrygian mode.

To serve as a very preliminary introduction to this mode and others, consider the ancient and enduring chord progression called the Andalusian Cadence beginning in, say, Am and resolving to E.

All the notes are in the diatonic scale of C. We could therefore describe uses of this cadence as being in the key of C major, though more commonly the tonal center suggests A minor. Already, then, we have an illustration of the Ionian and Aeolian modes, no surprise there. But if we shift the tonal center instead to E, now we find ourselves in Phyrgian mode. Instead of playing the entire cadence Am-G-F-Em, just reduce it to an alternation between Em and F and the Phyrgian feeling pops right out.

This is not a sophisticated understanding of the mode, but it can be a convincing breakthrough for anyone starting out, who thinks that the minor second is just weird. It's not weird at all, once you shift your attention to the V chord in a minor key.

[DamienPoggi]

This video is really great ! Thank you !
I'm used to watch videos on modes etc.. but yours is really clear effective and interesting !

[dannuttle]

Late in life, I am finally gaining both skill and insight into music. Learning to play in different modes has been one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had. But the mode that rings my bell the hardest is Phrygian.

[viktorkoning]

Another great video bro! Nice examples, as always! Great seeing you having some fun with this one.

[Windovaca]

Most useful channel about modes hands down, thank you for your work kind sir

[goldlines]

The melody at 4:00 is really interesting as it's not dark like you would expect from Phrygian. Sounds like something from Zelda - a wistful, bucolic feel. Great video!

[tompengelly]

So I do have a little experience experimenting with Lydian which helped me process a lot, but I never thought I'd get to grips with the Phrygian. And you just made it super accessible. Thank you!! Now I just have to work out why it's so linked to Spanish music (or Flamenco... or something. I always have it associated with Spain).

[semyonboyk]

Really helpful tips for songwriting, thank you for sharing!

[thatgyy]

Excellent information. Just started music theory, this helped!

[teunsegersofficial]

Great video! That first chord progression sounds fantastic. And your own song as well, not only is it in Phrygian, it has some cool rhythmic stuff happening in it as well. My own song Blind Faith is entirely in Harmonic Minor, your song made me think of that. Phrygian and Harmonic Minor have some similarities.

[jfpary]

Beautiful mode yes! Gabriel Fauré used it in a very convincing way, you can see it in its Requiem for example. Check it out.

[timsmith]

What software program are you using to create these harmonies? The piano sound is very good and it appeaars to allow multiple voices.

[berylmarshall]

Hi and thank you very much for this video ! At 2'16, in the diagram displaying the vii chord of the A Minor scale, there is a typo. The vii chord is labelled as vi... Hope this helps your viewers.

[StratsRUs]

What do you mean by Exotic ?
Is this Schenker's world, after all ?

[bldcaveman]

Please add the link to the Chromatic mediants (I'll go look anyway :) )

[cathbadmusic]

2:11 Sorry to pick fault with your otherwise excellent video, but flat 2nd isn't unique to phrygian mode. Locrian also has it.