Originally Posted by: guitarplayer196Your quote above isn't a good example of use of modes since you described the same scale just starting at a different place(C major and C E Phrygian) since E is the 3rd degree of the major scale.[/QUOTE]
Im sorry, but is that not exactly what modes are?

To my understanding, E Phrygian means that you play within the Key of C; yet rather than having your resolving note, the tonal center, be C, you play in the key of C in such a fashion where you make the resolving note E, rather than C (even through your in the Key of C)

[QUOTE=guitarplayer196]Take the key of C from the major scale(also known as Ionian)and make that the root note for the Phrygian mode(C Phrygian) - now you have a completely different sound that will work well with key of C.

As for being "able" to play C Phrygian over the Key of C, I personally would never. But hey thats music, that could probably work for some people...

Key of C: C D E F G A B C

C Phrygian: C C# D# F G G# A# C
(Key of G#)

There is just to many "clashing" notes but like I said, that could be preferred for some people.