Phrygian Dominant Scale

The Phrygian dominant scale is the 5th mode of harmonic minor: play A harmonic minor starting from E and you get E F G# A B C D. It has the b2 and b6 of Phrygian, but with a major 3rd, so it sounds like a dominant chord with a hot, Spanish twist.

You hear it in flamenco, Middle Eastern and klezmer melodies, surf guitar, and all over metal riffs and solos. In a minor key it has a clear job: over the V chord, E7 going to Am, it gives you the same notes as A harmonic minor, but you think and phrase from E.

This chapter has three lessons:

1. Formula, patterns and sound: the degrees, five positions plus a three-notes-per-string pattern, and the scale over a low E.
2. Practice exercises: a full pattern in sixteenths, a descending sequence, 3rds and a line that connects positions.
3. Soloing: an E7 to Am vamp and two original licks that use the b2 and resolve into Am.