Micro Lesson 190: "F# Minor" Phrygian Mode Blended Riff


Welcome to... "Micro-Lesson 190"
 

This Micro Lesson takes a look at a riff that uses both "Phrygian" mode as well as, the "Phrygian Dominant." 

This riff applies the scale degrees of the common third mode of the major scale (Phrygian), along with the additional major 3rd interval of the "Phrygian Dominant, (the fifth mode of the harmonic minor scale)." 

It's a unique sound that covers an interesting blend between an "A natural," (the minor 3rd), and the "A#," (the major 3rd). All scale degrees come together as were used within the piece as; "1, b2, b3, 3, 4, 5, b6, b7." 

The riff for this lesson operates in two parts. The first segment occurs in measures one and two. It is a lower register idea that applies the 2nd fret "F#" against the "b2" tone of "G." The open 6th "E" comes in to push the minor tonality color. 

However, in measure's three and four, the riff takes aim at the upper register and applies single-tones in a more melodic concept. The underlying harmony is all triad based. And, it is recommended that the chord changes be recorded or looped for a more thorough study of this riff. Enjoy!

Micro Lesson 190: "F# Minor" Phrygian Mode Blended Riff