The double harmonic scale on bass:
notes, formula and position

The double harmonic scale has 7 notes: 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 7. In A, that gives A, B♭, C♯, D, E, F and G♯. Two symmetrical steps and a half: the “Middle Eastern” color par excellence, heard in Byzantine, Arabic and Romani music.

Also called: Byzantine scale, Gypsy major, Arabic scale, Spanish Gypsy.

Formula and notes

1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 7

The steps between the notes, from the root to the octave: half step – step and a half – half step – whole step – half step – step and a half – half step. In A:

One position on the neck

The double harmonic scale in A, in the 5th-fret position: one finger per fret, from the 4th to the 8th fret, on all four strings. The numbers are the degrees; the root is in gold.

The same position as bass tab (fret by fret, from the low E string to the G string):

G|-6--7-|
D|-6--7--8-|
A|-4--5--7--8-|
E|-4--5--6-|

For another key, move the whole shape: the root on the E string sets the key (3rd fret for G, 8th fret for C).

The sound of the double harmonic scale

Two augmented intervals. Very oriental. Also called \"Arabic\" or \"Gypsy major\". Two augmented seconds (♭2–3, ♭6–7).

You mostly hear it in Middle Eastern music, metal and flamenco.

Which chords to play it over

In A, the double harmonic scale fits Amaj7. On bass, keep the root on the strong beats and use the other notes to connect the chords.

Neighbouring scales

These scales differ from the double harmonic scale by a single note. Comparing them lets you hear exactly what that note brings.

• The Neapolitan minor scale: ♭3 instead of 3.
• The Phrygian dominant scale: ♭7 instead of 7.
• The Persian scale: ♭5 instead of 5.

Practice it with UnitBasse

This diagram shows a single position, in a single key. In UnitBasse, this scale is shown across the whole neck and in all twelve keys, as note names, intervals or degrees, with one color per degree. You can listen to it, see the chords that go with it, switch keys in one click, and play it over a chord chart with BackTrack, the app’s backing band. The app has 69 scales in 12 families.

Frequently asked questions