B Double Harmonic Major is a exotic scale from the bright, consonant major family. Also known as 'Arabic Scale' or 'Byzantine Scale.' The Double Harmonic Major scale contains 7 notes: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A#. 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 B Double Harmonic Major 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 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#), the Double Harmonic Major scale takes the natural major degrees. Key characteristics: Two augmented 2nds. Byzantine/Arabic character.
B Double Harmonic Major sounds bright, uplifting, and consonant. The major third (D#) gives it its characteristic happy quality, while the perfect fifth (F#) provides harmonic stability. The natural half-step intervals create gentle forward motion. The emotional feeling is one of brightness, resolution, and optimism. This scale is the foundation of Western music and appears in virtually every genre from classical to pop.
B Double Harmonic Major works best in World, Middle Eastern, Klezmer music. Use it over major chord progressions to create bright, consonant melodies. It works beautifully as a starting point for improvisation over I-IV-V and I-V-vi-IV progressions.
Compatible chords and progressions:
1. I - bII - V
2. i - bII
Related scales:
- Byzantine Scale
- Phrygian Dominant
- Persian Scale
Practice Routine for B Double Harmonic Major:
5 minutes: Play each note of the B Double Harmonic Major 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 Double Harmonic Major 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 B Double Harmonic Major scale?
B Double Harmonic Major is a exotic scale consisting of 7 notes: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A#. The formula is 1 - b2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - #5 - 7. Also known as 'Arabic Scale' or 'Byzantine Scale.'
What notes are in the B Double Harmonic Major scale?
The B Double Harmonic Major scale contains the notes B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A#. 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 B.
What is the formula for the B Double Harmonic Major scale?
The formula for the B Double Harmonic Major 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 B.
How do you play the B Double Harmonic Major scale on guitar?
To play the B Double Harmonic Major 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 Double Harmonic Major scale used for?
B Double Harmonic Major is commonly used in World, Middle Eastern, Klezmer, Film Score music. It works well over major chord progressions for bright, consonant melodies.
Is the B Double Harmonic Major scale the same as B major?
Yes, the B Double Harmonic Major scale is the same as the B major scale. They share the same notes and intervals.
What chords go well with the B Double Harmonic Major scale?
Chords that work well with the B Double Harmonic Major scale include I - bII - V, i - bII. The scale's major character makes it compatible with World and Middle Eastern chord progressions.