Double Harmonic Scale

The double harmonic scale, also known as the Byzantine scale, is a seven-note scale that has a unique, exotic sound. It is characterized by its two augmented seconds and is often used in Middle Eastern, Indian, and Eastern European music.

Structure of the Double Harmonic Scale

The double harmonic scale follows the pattern of whole steps (W), half steps (H), and augmented seconds (A):


H - A - H - W - H - A - H

Example: C Double Harmonic Scale

The C double harmonic scale consists of the following notes:


C - D♭ - E - F - G - A♭ - B - C

Sound and Character

The double harmonic scale has a unique, exotic sound due to its two augmented seconds. It is often used to create a sense of mystery and drama in music.

Applications of the Double Harmonic Scale

The double harmonic scale is used in various musical contexts, including:

  • Melody: Creating exotic and dramatic melodies.
  • Harmony: Adding tension and intensity to chord progressions.
  • Improvisation: Soloing with an exotic, Middle Eastern sound.

Chords Derived from the Double Harmonic Scale

The double harmonic scale can be used to derive the following chords:

  • Major chords (e.g., C)
  • Minor chords (e.g., D♭m)
  • Augmented chords (e.g., E+)
  • Diminished chords (e.g., G°)

Songs That Use the Double Harmonic Scale

Here are some songs that use the double harmonic scale:

  • "Misirlou" by Dick Dale
  • "Hava Nagila" (Traditional Jewish folk song)
  • "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin
  • "Scheherazade" by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
  • "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" by Franz Liszt
  • "Symphony of Destruction" by Megadeth

Practice Exercises

Here are some practice exercises to help you get familiar with the double harmonic scale:

  1. Play the C double harmonic scale on your instrument, ascending and descending.
  2. Write out the notes of the double harmonic scale in different keys and play them on your instrument.
  3. Practice improvising using the double harmonic scale to create exotic and dramatic sounds.
  4. Compose a short melody using the double harmonic scale and play it on your instrument.
  5. Analyze a piece of music that uses the double harmonic scale and identify the scale's role in the composition.
  6. Practice playing the chords derived from the double harmonic scale in different keys.
  7. Improvise a solo using the double harmonic scale over a backing track in a Middle Eastern or Eastern European style.
  8. Transcribe a solo or melody that uses the double harmonic scale and play it on your instrument.
  9. Create a chord progression using chords derived from the double harmonic scale and play it on your instrument.
  10. Experiment with combining the double harmonic scale with other scales in your improvisation.

 

 

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