C Indian Bhairav is a world scale from the exotic, world-music character. Hindustani thaat — identical to Double Harmonic Major. The Indian Bhairav scale contains 7 notes: C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, B. With a formula of 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - 7, it uses all seven notes of the diatonic system. This advanced scale opens up sophisticated harmonic possibilities.
The C Indian Bhairav scale is constructed using the interval formula 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - 7, which means it contains the intervals Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Major Third (3), Perfect Fourth (4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Seventh (7) above the root C. The notes are C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, B. Starting from the C major scale (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B), each interval contributes to its distinctive exotic character. Key characteristics: Morning raga. Serene, meditative.
C Indian Bhairav has a distinctive, exotic sound with unique intervallic character. Hindustani thaat — identical to Double Harmonic Major. The emotional feeling is distinctive and evocative. This scale creates sounds rarely heard in standard Western harmony, making it a powerful tool for creating unique musical atmospheres.
C Indian Bhairav works best in World, Indian, Hindustani music. Use it in World and Indian contexts for its distinctive character.
Compatible chords and progressions:
1. I - bII - V
Related scales:
- Double Harmonic Major
- Byzantine Scale
- Indian Todi
Practice Routine for C Indian Bhairav:
5 minutes: Play each note of the C Indian Bhairav 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 C major. Improvise melodies using only the Indian Bhairav 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 (I - bII - V). 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 C Indian Bhairav scale?
C Indian Bhairav is a world scale consisting of 7 notes: C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, B. The formula is 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - 7. Hindustani thaat — identical to Double Harmonic Major.
What notes are in the C Indian Bhairav scale?
The C Indian Bhairav scale contains the notes C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, B. These correspond to the formula 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - 7, which represents the intervals Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Major Third (3), Perfect Fourth (4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Seventh (7) above the root C.
What is the formula for the C Indian Bhairav scale?
The formula for the C Indian Bhairav scale is 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - 7. This means it uses the Root (1), Minor Second (b2), Major Third (3), Perfect Fourth (4), Perfect Fifth (5), Minor Sixth (b6), Major Seventh (7) intervals from the root note C.
How do you play the C Indian Bhairav scale on guitar?
To play the C Indian Bhairav scale on guitar, start at the root note C 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 C Indian Bhairav scale used for?
C Indian Bhairav is commonly used in World, Indian, Hindustani, Classical music. It creates distinctive sounds for specialized musical contexts.
Is the C Indian Bhairav scale the same as C major?
No, the C Indian Bhairav scale is different from C major. C major has the notes C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B (formula: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7), while C Indian Bhairav has C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, B (formula: 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - 7).
What chords go well with the C Indian Bhairav scale?
Chords that work well with the C Indian Bhairav scale include I - bII - V. The scale's exotic character makes it compatible with World and Indian chord progressions.