Guitar modes lesson 3: It has the sound of thrash metal at its core, but also Latin and flamenco music too – here’s how the Phrygian mode works

The exotic sounding Phrygian mode is employed by everyone from Latin rockers to classic metallers like Black Sabbath and Metallica. It's also a go-to for guitarists faking their way through a traditional Spanish flamenco guitar sound!

The Phrygian mode is perfect for creating tension on static minor chords. For example, a typical thrash metal-style trick sees one guitar chopping away on a root powerchord as a second guitar riffs around the colourful minor intervals. Instant metal!