The Essence of Modes – Part 2
May 26, 2022
I’ve played many, actually a huge amount of improvisations using only Phrygian mode. I can’t help it, but Phrygian scale sounds seductive and sincere to my ears. It’s a natural minor scale with a lowered second note of the scale. That flattened second creates a very melancholic flavour. It has Spanish/Oriental mood also.
Phrygian is an empowering possibility of emphasizing the minor, and expressing your anxiety by staying far away from the major!
Five examples:
1. Part 006 on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/TPjWDoy7u74
Part 006 in the video series 3-minute improvisations on guitar is a special one. Phrygian works very well in hard rock. Turn up the volume!
2. Bogdo Ula: Charge on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/MVcQjNoYJ-o
This one was played and recorded in 2010. It’s totally improvised. I must say, that it has one of the best solos I have ever played. I like it very much! It goes of course in Phrygian mode with some outside notes, that spice up the solo really nicely.
3. Bogdo Ula: Ultraviolet on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/__KZ5CMFZ1g
For some more mysterious melancholy, expressed with Phrygian mode, check out the track Ultraviolet by Bogdo Ula. We are not going deeper into pain and anxiety. Instead, we are expressing that anxiety through music. Duration 5:08.
4. Bogdo Ula: Ömnögovi Zone on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/-KkVqCwnzKM
An even stronger expression of a mental state is heard on Bogdo Ula track Ömnögovi Zone. Here the intensity of Phrygian mode is obvious and transparent. Duration 6:09.
5. Bogdo Ula: Angular Distance on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/siP_eN4ekE0
This one requires a little patience from you. It’s 10 minutes long. It’s a duet with guitar and drums. Oh yes, Phrygian all the way! Can you feel an emotion that needs to be expressed? Can you hear the loudness of the guitar amp? It’s a 100 watt Marshall Super Lead (1976 model) with 6550 power tubes. 6550 power tubes give even more power than usual EL34 power tubes. It can go over 100 watts. You know, it’s loud. It’s loud. Loud! Did you hear me? Loud!
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