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Phrygian Mode: Is a Phrygian Scale of Chords Possible?
This time, constructing a Phrygian circular harmonic scale of chords looks somewhat more promising than the Dorian circular harmonic scales.
- The three principal chords in the above example, Em, Am, and B7, are identical to the chords of the key of E minor. So at least it’s possible to establish tonality around the I chord.
- If you consider C as the relative key, its three principal chords are identical to the chords of the key of C major.
- If you consider G as the relative key, its three principal chords are identical to the chords of the key of G major.
But the Phrygian mode has an Achilles heel. As with the Dorian mode, it’s the dominant seventh chord—B7 in the above example.