Lick of the Week #41 The Phrygian Scale Part1

[Feynaro]

Great info! Concise. Good teaching skills, great guitar skills

[Erc888]

Thanks a lot for this!

[FrozenSparky]

iron maiden powerslave is in this scale isnt it?

[tziras]

@FrozenSparky

no..it is Phrygian Dominant

[06a09]

soo is it basicly the mnor scale with the 2nd note flattened? sorry if i am wrong

[tziras]

@06a09

yes...you are right

[tziras]

@GlediSound

there is no backing track, just a tab

[6XstringXsamurai]

I love your lessons! I'm new to modes and theory and I was messing around writing a riff with phrygian and harmonic minor and it evolved into this scale - but i don't know what it would be called...can you help? E-7,8,10, A-8,9,11, D-8,9...notes would be B,C,D,F,F#,G#,D#,B

[tziras]

@6XstringXsamurai

it is mix of those two scales you mentioned

[TheBlueBandYTAccount]

@6XstringXsamurai It's called a 'Hybrid scale'.

[sanitrash]

I mean, but they all already conected through all the neck rigth???, damn I still don´t get it rigth!!!... mmm well, anyway I´ll follow your advice, thank you Theodore!!! Ziras Television rules!!! now this is my trip!!!

[tziras]

@sanitrash

yes, are conected

[sanitrash]

Hey dude how are you?, So, I did not get one thing... it confuses me when I take all the patterns from all the scales, I mean Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixo, and also the Locrian... But if you change the root, it is called a diferent way???... For example: if a take this phrygian pattern, but instead of start from G note, I decided to start from B or E, or C, or whatever... wtf it´s going on there???... and wtf is the modal interchange??? Thank you again man, you´re so fucking cool!!!

[tziras]

@sanitrash

you must treat each mode individually,

if you do it the way you are saying in your comment you will probably miss

to express the flavor of each mode and just play the right notes

but this is not enough....each mode has specific notes that must be emphasized

[thedancenight]

You are great!!! Thanks for the lessons!

[macdyne73]

Thanks for a great lesson, Theo. I'm sure I speak for other newbies when I say we appreciate all this so much! Thank you!

[alaric007]

i love how good instrument players like him always take time out to teach people. that's sharing the knowledge right there. always warms the heart.

[scott90210]

Great Work

[faridzayish]

so this scale is called G phrygian? am i right? *newbies

[tziras]

@faridzayish

yes...

[Frytekma]

i have a phrygian pattern but its not the same, its different from 3:24

[ESPLTDSMITHY]

YOU MAD MAN YOUR WEAR VANS!!

[EspGuitars1337]

Dude is that a Digitech 2120 artist up there? I have one! one of the best preamps i've ever played

[tziras]

@EspGuitars1337

yes..it was the 2120, i sold it few months ago

[foudou7]

peirazei na vlepw ti mi frigia gia paradeigma san nto matzore i san la aioliki?

[tziras]

@foudou7

kata tin gnwmi mou peirazei...

des to kathe mode opws eine..kai oxi scetika me kati allo

[Dibkill]

who is this guy? hes awesome!  this is good stuff, really really helpful.

[thehornypuppy]

I didn't get that...in wich scale are you? Becase you are starting in G...so if it's phrygian then it means you are in E? And the pattern you are using would be equivalent to a mayor scale starting in the 5th string...that is the 5 pattern of the major scale right? Sorry i really didn't get your phrygian.

[tziras]

@thehornypuppy

the video is very clear

[Nautilus987]

@tziras jaja mamon!

[ChillinJam]

@thehornypuppy the phrygian scale is real simple. Start on the 3rd note of a major scale and you end on the octave of that note. So if you are playing in the key of C major then E (the third note of a C major scale) will be the beginning note of your phrygian scale. So basically the Phrygian played in C major would go like this: E, F, G, A, B, C, D, E

[thehornypuppy]

@ChillinJam Not trying to be a dick...i know that. So why treat it like a different scale or why name the same pattern (or boxes) with a different name? And if there is a grade that asks for alteration just give the heads up. Instead of "learning" 4 scales...just learn your major scale up and down and all over the place then play with it. The only scales that come to mind that you would need to treat like separate would be the whole tone scale, bebop, pentatonic, diminished...etc.

[SantomPh]

@thehornypuppy he's in Gm. Phrygian is the third mode of the major scale, not the fifth. The corresponding major is Eb but this piece is in Gm- he even says the computer track starts with a Gm chord when he clicks on it.

[thehornypuppy]

@SantomPh When did i say it was the fifth? I was talking about the pattern or box as mister tziras calls them. And if a song starts in whatever note...that doesn't mean it is in that determined uh...note. The thing is the scale is really a Em starting at the third note...so basically...if one just learned the Major scale...for starters you would also know the minor scale and all the greek modes. So why treat this scales as something different? Just tell people how to apply them.

[1k1llc47s]

@thehornypuppy Phrygian in E is just every white note from E to E. But to transcribe it into a different key you just follow the same pattern ( which he explains ).

C Ionian ( Major )

D Dorian

E Phrygian

F Lydian

G Mixolydian

A Aeolian ( spelling? Minor )

B Locrian

[thehornypuppy]

@1k1llc47s I actually know the scale upside down and can do any scale in any part of the neck. Well no any...i'm no good with the melodic minor and i'm not fond of the diminished scale. Pentatonics give you a lot of freedom since they are very simple. But i just can't understand this videos xD but hey...maybe it's just me. I watch lessons when i get bored...right now i'm watching Samurai 7 though...thanks anyways :3

[1k1llc47s]

@thehornypuppy Well your better at guitar then me ^ ^ I prefer music theory then practice :P I suppose it is kinda hard to understand him, but I know the 7 modes from memory.

[thehornypuppy]

@1k1llc47s welli wouldn't know that...i know the major scale only and the pentatonics, i just play by feel and while trying to learn the modes they all fall in the "boxes" of the major scale. So i figured...meh...if it sounds right...it's right. And chords...i don't know chords i just make them as i go without going out of the box, sometimes i may go chromatic and then pick a box that i like and start playing there. It sounds like crap without a band since i just play lead.

[1k1llc47s]

@thehornypuppy you don't really need to learn any theory, if it sounds good, then fucking play it!

[thehornypuppy]

@1k1llc47s I do beleive theory is importan to some point...for example...i like doing stuff by relative notes. but sometimes in theory you learn to do stuff a certain way and then you don't try anything else, because that is the "right" way. I was reading some stuff about counterpoint and species of counterpoint. And then ran into a video of a guy that is like The Hulk playing piano... xD

[1k1llc47s]

@thehornypuppy I don't know what counter parts are, I'll look into it. When I am with the band, we don't really use theory, in a way we do, it is impossible to not use it, but we don't do it on purpose, we just play by ear. I only learn theory because I want to write a symphony before I die :')

[69swipe]

@thehornypuppy phrygian is the third mode of the major scale and the fifth mode of the minor scale. in G major it would be b phrygian

[chronohugo]

@thehornypuppy yes do not try to impress with your supposed superior knowledge in music. It is a Phrygian scale in G, clearly visited: flat 2nd, flat 3rd, perfect 4th & 5th, minor 6th, flat 7th and octave. Dont break your head. Your comment is like trying to say that a minor augmented chord exists

[thehornypuppy]

@chronohugo My comment is very clear too...i didn't understoof the video nor any lesson from this guy. I just look stuff around to see what i already know. And i've seen the same thing all over again...people go around Greek modes as if they were a different scale...when you can just play a major scale in any grade and just check the alterations. So really i just watched because i was bored out of my skin...and one can only watch so many porn.

[chronohugo]

@thehornypuppy hehe you didn't understoof? Haha no worries man anyways you see how many "music virtuosos" are already answering your comment, they're worse than you, just trying to impress instead of just clearing your doubt. And don't watch too much porn, it's bad for you.

[thehornypuppy]

@chronohugo ;__; I knows...look at me...can't even understand the damn video...and i saw it several times.And wtf with my last comment? It's written so poorly.

[Cool80sBoy]

I could not find the link to the backing track in the PDF, so I downloaded a metronome and used that. What am I missing on the PDF file ?

I am an intermediate guitarist and singer, and this will be my first week with you. I will stick with this program as long as I can because what you are teaching is exactly what will make someone a better guitarist. Appreciate you sharing the love you have for music and the faith you have in our abilities to improve !!

[tziras]

@Cool80sBoy

there is no backing track for this lesson

just play the scale over the metronome

[H0egaarden]

These are really nice fairly simple scale lessons... ! Thanks!

[siul7611]

Man! You are a very good teacher!

Thanks for the invite!!!

[faizanzh1]

Where can i download PDF format of the boxes???

[tziras]

@faizanzh1

read the video info please for the link

[faizanzh1]

@tziras Thanx .. I got it... I like ur teaching style man keep up the good work learnt alot in few days ;) thumbs up4 u..

[ElGbayRGX]

cool telecaster !!

[russelkeith]

hey i'm trying to learn to play the guitar although i have some experience. which of your videos do you recommend i view first? thanks alot.

[tziras]

@russelkeith

try the minor pentatonic videos

[russelkeith]

@tziras thanks alot

[DarksteelPowerchord]

i still think your accent is funny :D but i'm learning stuff, thanks alot! keep it up!

[AirHendrix91]

What if I just know one shape for the Phrygian scale based on the 6th string root, wouldn't that eliminate the need to learn all those boxes?

The mode shapes on AllGuitarChords (dot com) are the ones I use.

[tziras]

@AirHendrix91

you can choose the way that suits you...

in my opinion you way is to the best ....

you will have problems when you have to play various roots and modess in the same solo

[guitarnoob77]

Isnt there 7 boxes instead of 5??

[tziras]

@guitarnoob77

there are 2 systems/methods

5 or 7 boxes...i use 5

[jazperry]

A typical 6 string electric guitar only has 5 octaves.....hence 5 boxes / positions. Am i right?

[tziras]

@jazperry

the octaves have nothing to do with the 5 boxes

the 5 boxes it is just a method to divide the fretboard

[NZRichardNZ]

@tziras ahh good , at least one person who knows their shit - good man.

[SantomPh]

@jazperry not exactly, because the guitar is both vertical and horizontal; the same note appears twice in different positions, so technically you can have more than 5 boxes- by going between , backwards, upwards or skipping strings. It's easier to teach using boxes to show the shapes and sounds. There are actually two more positions, but in Phrygian the 6th and 7th modes are actually the Ionian and Dorian mode, which don't really sound 'Phrygian'.

[Vaeiis]

Hey Ziras, can you please give advices on how to create cool licks and stuff like that? I know how to play all the scales but I can't create good music out them ... how do you do it ?

[tziras]

@Vaeiis

it is important to start form the root and be creative rhythmically

[kissmybigbigamp]

this is so confusing when you say five box... does it mean 5 positions ?? sorry im a newbie... tnx

[tziras]

@kissmybigbigamp

yes...positions=boxes

[Thrasher94sa]

why are there 5 boxes for the phrygian scale?

[tziras]

@Thrasher94sa

this is the system i am using... 5 boxes

[geek555444]

thank you sir

[stebbZv]

great lesson like always! i got a question though. when you said you had to add the A flat to get that phrygian feeling, do you do that to any key then? like in A phrygian you add B flat? thanks a lot! take care.

[tziras]

@stebbZv

yes..on A Phrygian a Bb etc

[Ripskater00]

is this considered in the key of g?

[tziras]

@Ripskater00

G phrygian

[VonHendrixTV]

do u have any tabs for this? im not saying your a bad teacher or anything, its just i like tabs cause if i ever get lost i can just look and see what to do.

[tziras]

@VonHendrixTV

read the video info....the tab is there

[PAULOcbi]

good lesson ,Im learning the solo from OverTheMountain ,RandyRhoads,its fairly simple.Do you know any more cool songs using Phrygian??

[tziras]

@PAULOcbi

Rainbow: Gates of Babylon

[superfuntimehappy]

Question about technique for you Theodore, (it's related more to playing in general but I've been mainly playing examples from you alternate picking videos recently.)

Which hand should be driving/controling the guitar? Hard to describe, but I mean, should one hand be leading the other, dictating the pace and what is played? Or should they work in tandem (together simualtaneously)?

Does my question make any sense?

[tziras]

@superfuntimehappy

in my opinion the picking hand always doing the most important job

the fret hand must follow in time...

[superfuntimehappy]

@tziras Aha - the picking hand . This is what I have just discovered!! I have been playing guitar for a many years now and have only just realized this. It feels strange now leading with the picking hand (rather than the fretting hand) but I can feel more possible speed.

Thank you for showing an old dog a new trick!

[kleinebudde]

Did you study music or how do you know all this stuff? How old are you btw.? Your videos are great and very helpful. You're an awesome guitar player.

[tziras]

@kleinebudde

i am studying for almost 20 years

i am teaching for almost 12 years

[PAULOcbi]

@kleinebudde you can go on GOSK.com and they will show you all the scales,all you gotta do is memorize them

[metalboy031290]

nice lesson man, i've been investigating bout the modes, and i wanna use them on some songs from a musical on wich i'm playing, cause the songs are like, WAY TOO HAPPY... and well here's a particular song that is supposed to be a farewell song, but it has a rare progression at the intro, its Bb - Bbm - F, the verse is F Am Dm Am Bb F Bb C... and the chorus is F Am Bb C, Solo section = as the intro, and the outro's Bb and F till the end... how can I use a mode on this song ?? :S

[tziras]

@metalboy031290

F Ionian

[metalboy031290]

ook... another thing.

Is there any way to make the song sound different using another mode but using the same chords (or at least the same root)???

[tziras]

@metalboy031290

yes you can.....

but it is not so simple....

i cannot answer it in a single comment

[metalboy031290]

@tziras if I send you an email could you explain me?? Thanks :D \m/

[tziras]

@metalboy031290

yes

[S1ay3R007]

So the G phrygian can be played over a G minor chord? and why should i practice it over a major or major7 chord? isnt it suppose to be heavy metal or latin? can it be practiced over any major or major7 chord then? with the corresponding key?

Sorry for my confusing questions but would help alot of u can help me understand this part?

Thanks!

[tziras]

@S1ay3R007

Phrygian has a minor 3rd

so can be played over a minor chord (1, b3, 5)

in any style (metal, latin, Rock etc)

[Scorpio598]

Nice video!

[MetalHagstrom]

Wow, thanks man. I have really learned ALOT from you. Thanks for answering my question. Im sorry for double posting the same question on two videos, of yours. I thought youtube was having trouble.

[tziras]

@MetalHagstrom

no problem...take care

[MetalHagstrom]

i have a question. Can i use for example box 1 on 5th fret, 6th string. Will that make it A phrygian. keep up the good work making these videos

[tziras]

@MetalHagstrom

yes

[zepallica123]

What school did you go toooooo?!?!?!?!

[tziras]

@zepallica123

Guitar Institute London (1998-2001)

[delinx]

very well explained! great video. thats what i call a guitar lesson.

[jImBothedoctor]

jajajaja... troncooo!! menudo acentazo!! jajajaj from potes from potes.. buenisima la clase :D

[tamawae]

very nice video man. I have a question, I know that every mode has a unique sound itself, but when I try to play them, I just cannot get that sound, for example, If I play a D-Dorian, and a G-Mixolidian over a Major C progression sounds ok, but It sounds the same.

thanks on advance

[tziras]

of course it is sounds the same

because you are doing an obvious mistake

here is my advice:

1. You must start always from the root of each mode

2. You must play each mode over each relevant chord (e.g Dorian over a min7 chord)

3. You must emphasize the "key note" (degree) of each mode (e.g the b2 on Phrygian or the #4 on Lydian)

[tamawae]

ok, I see, thanks , I will try to practice that

[kpelarockgo]

@tziras thanks man i had the same problem and nobody never can explains me it

[frencbend]

man, you are the best teacher i have ever seen. i hope you become really successfull because you deserve every penny! you are a guitar virtuoso

[Fenderakka]

very nice explain!

[Stiffmeister1973]

Man, your awesome! 5*

[loudrussell]

oh man, you should say "lick of the week" more often, classic...

but, thanks for lessons, you're awesome theodore

[bmohr37]

I Will Master These Lessons You Are A Priceless Contribution To All Guitarist.Yes I Said All Guitarist Can Learn From A Man Like You.

Thank You Brian Mohrman

P.S. I Know You Had That Telecaster For A Long Time May I Ask How Long? God Bless

[tziras]

Thank you for the nice words

The TELE is brand new (bought it 4 months ago)

My Guitar Tech make her look a little bit "old"

[ellinasethnikos]

θοδωρη εσυ καποτε δεν ειχες ανοιξει συναυλια των iced earth με το συγκροτημα σου?γαλατσι δεν μενεις?σε θυμαμαι.....

[tziras]

Nai egw eime autos pou les...

To live me Iced Earth itan Noembrios tou 1997

[ellinasethnikos]

απο τοτε θυμαμαι επαιζες γαματα!!!!

[dalier25]

Why is your website trying to download a trojan to my pc??????????????????

[WildStringdom87]

Theodre, you are doing an awesome job with these videos! Thanks alot! the info. that you give out is priceless.

[jacksonabuser]

Always awesome lessons from this guy!

[furin121]

Yeah, luckily I stumbled upon his videos a day or so ago and have been watching them repeatedly. Easy to follow and gives lots of ideas and things to work on.

[tziras]

From the 3rd degree of thew scale

If is is a minor 3rd then it is minor

If it is major 3rd then it sis major

[pepsicolaman1]

how do you know is a scale is minor or major

[IPlay4G0d]

Very helpful lesson, Thanks!

[hydejing]

thank you very much

hope to see ur music in the future !!

[inconsequentially]

The description talks about B Phrygian, but the video lesson is in G Phrygian mainly. Just thought I'd point that out, so as not to confuse first time viewers.

[sk8erjoris]

Do you mean this:

"To play the G Phrygian Mode you will start with the first note at the 6th string 3rd fret. "

Could be, but I think he means that the first note you play is on the 6th string 3rd fret.

[Massey1992]

Your videos are the best :) could you please do something on right hand picking techniques and mechanics... im really struggling to play from the wrist only :(