Scale
F Double Harmonic Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
F · G♭ · A · B♭ · C · D♭ · E
Root: F
Intervals
1 · ♭2 · 3 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on F and applies the intervals 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. The result contains 7 distinct pitch classes per octave.
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Guide and musical context
About F Double Harmonic Scale
F Double Harmonic Scale uses the notes F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, E. 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.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on F. 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 F, produces the notes F · G♭ · A · B♭ · C · D♭ · E.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F Double Harmonic Scale?
The notes are F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, E.
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.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.