Scale · Mandolin
B♭ Double Harmonic Scale · Mandolin
Fretboard map · Mandolin
Find every available note across the first 12 frets.
Notes
B♭ · C♭ · D · E♭ · F · G♭ · A
Root: B♭
Intervals
1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on B♭ and applies the intervals 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About B♭ Double Harmonic Mandolin Scale
B♭ Double Harmonic Mandolin scale uses the notes B♭, C♭, D, E♭, F, G♭, A. Its character is dramatic and distinctive because of its two augmented-second spans.
Character and sound
Dramatic and distinctive because of its two augmented-second spans.
Musical context and history
Double harmonic is known by several names in Western theory, including Byzantine scale. Its pattern is used as a color resource across different traditions and in cinematic or experimental music.
How and where it is used
Use it for strongly colored melodies, pedals, modal improvisation and harmony exploiting semitones and augmented seconds.
On mandolin, fifths tuning encourages symmetric movable patterns. Unison string courses reinforce the attack, and the map helps locate the same note in different fretboard registers. Everything you see and hear on this page comes from the same note set shown above.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on B♭. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7 and, from B♭, produces the notes B♭ · C♭ · D · E♭ · F · G♭ · A.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the B♭ Double Harmonic Mandolin scale?
The notes are B♭, C♭, D, E♭, F, G♭, A.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Dramatic and distinctive because of its two augmented-second spans. Use it for strongly colored melodies, pedals, modal improvisation and harmony exploiting semitones and augmented seconds.
How can I check it on Mandolin?
Use the interactive diagram on this page and press Play or Note by note. The highlighted positions, written notes and playback all use the same pitch collection.