Question about a "Middle Eastern scale"

[lucas303]

This video by the great Kai Eckhardt is just entitled "Modes of Middle Eastern Scale with Groove"

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Can anyone explain what scale this is and anything about the modes of that scale? I've figured out the main riff he's playing in terms of what the notes are, but I don't know what scale it is to know any more than that.

 

[g-dude]

Video isn’t showing up.

What notes are you coming up with? Is the whole thing similar to harmonic minor?

 

[Malcolm35]

The Phrygian mode gives a Middle Eastern sound. If played over a two chord vamp. First chord is the root or tonic chord, and the second chord, is one that has the signature note of the Phrygian mode in it's makeup. That signature note is a b2.

The notes of the Phrygian mode of the major scale are:
R-b2-b3-4-5-b6-b7. Notice this is a natural minor scale with a flat 2.

Modes do not normally resolve, they drone on so the modal mood can be heard. Playing any mode over a vamp instead of a tonal progression (V-I) lets the modal sound cut through. Do a Google on modal harmony, if necessary.

Have fun.

 

[kesslari]

Not Phrygian. Freygish, also called Spanish Dominant, which is the V of the Harmonic Minor scale. Like Phrygian with a major 3rd instead of minor 3rd. The run is definitely Freygish.
R b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
The groove isn't clear whether he's hitting the major 3rd or the minor 3rd. Sounds good both ways.