The Phrygian b4 Mode – Easy Guitar Shapes and Theory

What is the Phrygian b4 Mode?

This lesson is about the Phrygian (b4) scale aka Phrygian b11 or Indian scale or Phrygian diminished 11 known as the third mode of the Harmonic major scale. It is made up of a root (1), minor second (b2), minor third (b3), flat fourth (b4), perfect fifth (5), minor sixth (b6) and minor seventh (b7).

Formula Chart

The Phrygian b4 mode is one of the most used modes of the harmonic major scale, particularly over dominant chords when you want to add a bit of tension. Indeed, the Phrygian b4 mode contains three altered tones that are: b9, #9 and b13.

You will see in the chart below that there are similarities with the Altered scale, the fifth mode of the melodic minor scale.

Phrygian b4 Mode
Phrygian (b4) Mode Formula
Phrygian b4 Mode Octave Shapes
Phrygian (b4) Mode Octave Shapes

3 Notes Per Strings
With the following diagrams you’ll learn how to play the Phrygian b4 mode all over the guitar neck using the 3NPS system.

Phrygian b4 Mode all Shapes
Phrygian b4 Mode all Shapes
Phrygian (b4) Mode all Shapes

Comparison Between The Phrygian (b4) Mode And The Phrygian Mode.

Here is a quick comparison with the Phrygian scale, third mode of the major scale. You see it is built with a perfect fourth (4) instead of a diminished fourth (b4).

phrygian-b4-mode-comparison
phrygian-b4-mode-comparison
Phrygian-mode-comparison
Phrygian-mode-comparison

Comparison With The Altered Scale

As shown in the chart below, the altered scale (seventh mode of the melodic minor scale) has a diminished fifth instead of a perfect fifth.

Comparison With The Altered Scale
Comparison With The Altered Scale
Comparison With The Altered Scale
Comparison With The Altered Scale
Undressed Chords by Sombr

Sombr | Undressed Chords | Easy Chords 2025

devoomusicMay 24, 20252 min read

Undressed Chords by Sombr About Released: 2025 Artist: Sombr Album: undressed Genre: Alternative/Indie

Undressed Guitar Chords by Sombr

Sombr | Undressed Guitar Chords | Best 2025

devoomusicMay 24, 20253 min read

Undressed Guitar Chords by Sombr About Released: 2025 Artist: Sombr Album: undressed Genre: Alternative/Indie

Favorite Mistake Guitar Chords by Giveon

Giveon | Favorite Mistake Guitar Chords | Best 2020

devoomusicMay 20, 20252 min read

Favorite Mistake Guitar Chords By Giveon About Album: Take Time Released: 2020 Artist: Giveon Genre: Classic Soul

Learn How to Play Guitar : 10 Essential Tips for Beginners to Master the Guitar

Learn How to Play Guitar : 10 Essential Tips for Beginners to Master the Guitar

devoomusicApr 26, 202514 min read

Welcome to the beginner’s guide on learning how to play guitar. Make sure to choose the right guitar, learn the basics, and practice proper finger placement. Starting with simple songs, focusing on strumming and rhythm, and building a practice routine…

Nothing Else Matters Guitar Chords by Metallica

Metallica | Nothing Else Matters Guitar Chords | Best 1991

devoomusicApr 24, 20252 min read

Nothing Else Matters Guitar Chords By Metallica About Album: Metallica Released: 1991 Artist: Metallica Genres: Heavy metal, Rock, Metal, Sentimental ballad

Leave a Comment