The Phrygian Mode

Understanding the Phrygian Mode

In this lesson, we'll discuss the Phrygian mode, as featured in the solo of Orinoco.

Key Points

1. Intro and Head Sections:

   • The intro and all the G minor sections in the head are primarily Dorian.
   • You can practice that as a loop.

2. Phrygian Scale:

   • In the solo, the A and E in the Dorian scale are flattened.
   • This creates the Phrygian scale.
   • Remember:
     • It's the third of the minor modes.
     • Features the flat 2 and the flat 6.

3. Phrygian Chord:

   • A nice, effective Phrygian chord to play in the left hand (especially if you have a bass player) gives a really dark sound.

Tune Structure

Let's look at the structure of the tune:

• The solo is open length, centered on the one chord with an alternating bass line, which also includes the flat 2.
• The head resembles a 12-bar blues:
  • You would typically expect to go from G minor to C minor.
  • In the fourth bar, it changes but goes to B flat minor instead, then back to G minor as expected in the blues.

Ending Variation

• There's a variation on the ending:
  • Instead of progressing to the V chord, it concludes on a surprise chord of E flat minor.

The transition from the one chord back to the one in this blues form evokes the essence of a 12-bar blues.

Coordination Exercises

Now, I'll provide you with a couple of coordination exercises to enhance your soloing over this bass line:

1. Five Finger Position:

   • Start playing the bass line using the five-finger position.
   • This basic routine will ensure your bass notes are correctly placed on the 2 and 4.

2. Fifth Position Variation:

   • Try the same five-finger position, but start on the fifth.

Experimenting with Chords

• You might want to explore playing some chords in the left hand as well. Here are some typical Phrygian chords:

  1. Quartal Shape
  2. Two Triads (which create a flamenco sound)

• Practice these with the five-finger position starting on the fifth.

1. Two Quartal Shapes:
   • Try playing two quartal shapes:
     • G, C, F
     • A flat, D, G

Both of these will give you flavor in that Phrygian harmony.

Conclusion

I've provided you with enough material to develop your own ideas within this Phrygian sound world. Happy practicing!