phrygian FRI-jee-an Your browser does not support the audio element. [ English ] Definition The third of the Church modes. The mode based upon the third note of the major scale. In the key of C major, phrygian mode would start on the key of E, and include all the notes of the C major scale. Share Share on Facebook (opens in a new tab) Share on X (opens in a new tab) Last Updated: 2013-02-14 19:24:13