Spanish Minor Guitar Scale Patterns- Chart, Key of E

Guitar Lesson Summary & Chart Explanation

E Spanish Minor Guitar Positions:

Notes:

E F G A B C D

Scale Degrees:

1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7

Alternative Names:

E Phrygian Mode

This scale, also known by its Catholic Church name Phrygian Mode, is actually a scale used in Spanish Folk music, and it actually sounds, well, Spanish. I hate calling it Phrygian Mode as it tells you nothing about what it sounds like, and I think we owe the country that invented the guitar a bit of respect.

Like the Blues Scale, it is a minor scale that works against Major and Dominant chords, the "clashing" notes providing it with its unique character or color.

When used to extend the Blues scale, it becomes a staple of Metal, especially the 1980's Thrash Metal. The first four Metallica albums are a good example.