B Arabian Hijaz is a world scale from the tension-driven dominant family. Phrygian dominant variant from Arabic maqam music. The Arabian Hijaz scale contains 7 notes: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A. With a formula of 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - b7, it uses all seven notes of the diatonic system. This advanced scale opens up sophisticated harmonic possibilities.
The B Arabian Hijaz scale is constructed using the interval formula 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - b7, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Major Third (3), Perfect Fourth (4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Minor Seventh (b7) above the root B. The notes are B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A. Starting from the B major scale (B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#), each interval contributes to its distinctive dominant character. Key characteristics: b2, M3, b7 = Arabic sound. Maqam framework.
B Arabian Hijaz sounds tense, bluesy, and directional. The combination of a major third and minor seventh creates the classic dominant tension that wants to resolve. The emotional feeling is restless and expectant. Essential for blues, jazz, and any context requiring harmonic tension and resolution.
B Arabian Hijaz works best in World, Middle Eastern, Arabic music. Use it over dominant 7th chords for bluesy, tension-filled solos. Essential for ii-V-I jazz progressions.
Compatible chords and progressions:
1. V7b9
2. bII - V7
Related scales:
- Phrygian Dominant
- Maqam Hijaz Kar
- Double Harmonic Major
Practice Routine for B Arabian Hijaz:
5 minutes: Play each note of the B Arabian Hijaz scale slowly, one at a time. Listen carefully to the character of each interval. Ascending and descending through the scale. Focus on clean, even tone on each note.
10 minutes: Practice the scale with a metronome at 60 BPM. Play one note per beat ascending, then descending. Gradually increase to two notes per beat (eighth notes) and four notes per beat (sixteenth notes). Focus on timing precision.
20 minutes: Apply the scale over a backing track in B major. Improvise melodies using only the Arabian Hijaz scale notes. Experiment with different rhythmic patterns, slides, bends, and vibrato. Focus on musical phrasing.
30 minutes: Learn the scale in multiple positions across the fretboard. Connect different positions with smooth transitions. Practice playing the scale over a chord progression (V7b9). Record yourself and analyze your phrasing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Playing too fast before understanding the scale's sound character
- Not listening to the intervals individually
- Ignoring the scale's unique character (each scale has a distinctive mood)
- Skipping the descending practice — descending is equally important
Advanced Tips: Explore the scale's modes and related scales. Practice with odd time signatures and asymmetric rhythms. Use the scale over non-standard chord progressions to discover new sounds.
pages.scaleDetail.frequentlyAskedQuestions
What is the B Arabian Hijaz scale?
B Arabian Hijaz is a world scale consisting of 7 notes: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A. The formula is 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - b7. Phrygian dominant variant from Arabic maqam music.
What notes are in the B Arabian Hijaz scale?
The B Arabian Hijaz scale contains the notes B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A. These correspond to the formula 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - b7, which represents the intervals Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Major Third (3), Perfect Fourth (4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Minor Seventh (b7) above the root B.
What is the formula for the B Arabian Hijaz scale?
The formula for the B Arabian Hijaz scale is 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - b7. This means it uses the Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Major Third (3), Perfect Fourth (4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Minor Seventh (b7) intervals from the root note B.
How do you play the B Arabian Hijaz scale on guitar?
To play the B Arabian Hijaz scale on guitar, start at the root note B and follow the fretboard pattern. Each note corresponds to a specific fret on the guitar. Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to see all positions and fingerings.
What is the B Arabian Hijaz scale used for?
B Arabian Hijaz is commonly used in World, Middle Eastern, Arabic, Maqam music. It creates distinctive sounds for specialized musical contexts.
Is the B Arabian Hijaz scale the same as B major?
No, the B Arabian Hijaz scale is different from B major. B major has the notes B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A# (formula: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7), while B Arabian Hijaz has B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A (formula: 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - b7).
What chords go well with the B Arabian Hijaz scale?
Chords that work well with the B Arabian Hijaz scale include V7b9, bII - V7. The scale's dominant character makes it compatible with World and Middle Eastern chord progressions.