Hypophrygian
Hypophrygian is the plagal form of the Phrygian mode and counts as the fourth church mode. It has the same notes as Phrygian and the same finalis E, but the range reaches from the fourth below E (B) to the fifth above (B4).
- Number
- 4th church mode
- Finalis
- E
- Tenor (reciting note)
- A
- Range
- B3–B4
- Authentic form
- Phrygian
Phrygian, a fourth lower
Hypophrygian belongs to the authentic Phrygian. Both close on E and use the same white keys. They are distinguished, like all pairs of authentic and plagal mode, by the range: Phrygian goes from E4 to E5, Hypophrygian from B3 to B4. Added to this is the tenor, the note around which the melody circles. In the Phrygian mode it is traditionally C, in the Hypophrygian A.
Hypophrygian (range B3–B4)
The finalis E lies in the middle. E and the tenor A are marked. The only semitone at the bottom lies between B and C.
For comparison: Phrygian (range E4–E5)
The same white keys, from E upwards. The semitone E–F directly above the finalis gives the Phrygian mode its sound. The finalis E and the tenor C are marked.
In the glossary: Plagal mode · Phrygian cadence · Finalis
Peculiarities
Below the finalis lie three notes in this mode: D, C and B. The semitone B–C is the only one in the lower part of the range, the semitone E–F lies directly above the finalis. The mode thus combines a wide, calm register around E with the Phrygian semitone above the closing note. The details here follow the traditional standard table of the church modes. In practice deviations and extensions of the range by a few notes are usual.
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Related terms
Plagal modePhrygianChurch modeHypodorianPhrygian cadenceFinalisAmbitus
Editor: Maik Krohm · reviewed on 3 October 2026
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