How to Play a D Phrygian Scale on Piano

Learning to play a D Phrygian scale on piano is not all that difficult once you master playing the note Eb with your weak fingers. D Phrygian is the third mode of Bb major. It has only two flats (Bb, Eb) and shares a key signature with Bb major. The sound quality of the scale is similar to a natural minor scale except with an added flat ninth. The left hand needs more attention than the right in this scale, as the weak fingers are in an awkward position to begin.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Practice the scale with your right hand first. Place your thumb on D4. Ascend a minor third interval through D, Eb and F. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to G4. Ascend the remaining perfect fifth interval through G, A, Bb, C and D. Your pinkie finger should land on D5. As you ascend the scale keep your wrist slightly pointed to the right to make the octave turn go more smoothly.

2. Descend the D Phrygian scale with your right hand. Descend a perfect fifth interval through D, C, Bb, A and G. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at F4. Continue to descend the last minor third interval through F, Eb and D. The natural inclination is to play the pitch Eb with more volume because your strongest finger depresses it. Avoid this.

3. Practice the scale with your left hand only. Place your pinkie finger on D3 and ascend a perfect fifth interval through D, Eb, F, G and A. Cross your middle finger over your thumb at Bb4. Ascend the remaining major third interval through Bb, C and D. Your thumb should be the last finger to depress D4.

4. Descend the B Phrygian scale with your left hand. After making the octave turn, place your thumb on D4. Descend a major third interval through D, C and Bb. Bring your thumb under your middle finger to A4. Descend the last perfect fifth interval through A, G, F, Eb and D. Your pinkie finger should be the last to depress D3.

5. Practice the scale with both hands simultaneously. The left hand will require more attention due to the weak fingers being placed on awkward notes. As you ascend with your left hand keep your ring finger curled to give it more strength than it naturally has. This will help to increase note accuracy on the pitch Eb. Start this scale at a tempo of no more than 80 beats per minute and slowly increase it to no more than 150 beats per minute.