What distinct notes characterize the Phrygian mode?

The Phrygian mode is defined by its unique set of intervals, which distinguish it from other modes. The correct choice includes the notes of the E minor scale, specifically highlighting the lowered second (b2), lowered sixth (b6), and lowered seventh (b7) degrees. In the context of the E Phrygian mode, the scale consists of the following notes: E, F, G, A, B, C, and D.

This specific arrangement of notes gives Phrygian its characteristic minor sound combined with a distinct exotic flavor due to the flat second degree. This lowered second creates a half-step interval from the tonic (E) to the second note (F), contributing significantly to the mode's unique mood and tonal quality.

In contrast, the other options present different scales or modes that do not align with the defining features of Phrygian. For instance, the D major scale focuses on a whole-step structure that characterizes a major tonality, rather than the minor sound of Phrygian. Similarly, the C natural minor scale pertains to a different set of intervals, and the A major scale presents an entirely different framework. Understanding these distinctions is key to correctly identifying the modal structures in