Welcome to Scale Club! This is the first video in my new series where we will explore lots of different scale types for when we improvise on the saxophone. In this video we take a look at one of my favourites scales and sounds for improvising: The Phrygian Dominant Scale.
Let’s get to it!
What is the Phrygian Dominant Scale?
In the lesson, we cover the formation of the Phrygian Dominant Scale; its relationship to the Harmonic Minor and the Dominant 7th chord/arpeggio; and therefore where to use this scale when we improvise.
In the final section of the video, we then trade 8 bars each of improvising over a slow flamenco inspired groove. Each 8 bars is divided into two sections of 4 bars, with the first 4 bars improvising over a chord I harmonic minor and the second 4 bars improvising over a chord V using the Phrygian Dominant.
For this video, Bb saxes are in A minor (going to a E7), and Eb saxes are in E minor (going to a B7).
Free PDF & Backing Tracks Download Form
Fill in the below form and receive the free PDF of the Phrygian Dominant Scale written out in all 12 keys (shown alongside its parent Harmonic Minor each time), as well as backing tracks for each key organised into separate folders for either Bb or Eb saxophones.
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Let me know how you get on in the comments!
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Happy practising!
Best wishes, Nathan