A# Persian Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
A# Persian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Persian scale is an exotic and highly symmetrical scale that evokes an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. On Banjo (5-String), it contains the notes A#, B, D, D#, E, F#, A. Its dense semitones and wide intervals create a winding, hypnotic melodic path that sounds both ancient and mystical. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Ambient. Notable players include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Buckethead. Use over sustained root notes or drones. Works best in modal, non-functional harmony where the exotic intervals can breathe.
Notes: A#, B, D, D#, E, F#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-H-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
Dense with semitones and wide intervals that create a winding, serpentine melodic path. Its high symmetry gives it a meditative, 'orbiting' quality.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Ambient
Notable players: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Buckethead
How to Use the A# Persian Scale
Use over sustained root notes or drones. Works best in modal, non-functional harmony where the exotic intervals can breathe.
Origin & Background
Rooted in the maqam traditions of Persian classical music. Used for centuries in Iranian dastgah modal system.
How to Play A# Persian on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating A# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Persian scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A# Persian scale contains 3 sharps (A#, D#, F#). This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the A# Persian scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 BPM. This dual approach trains both technical accuracy and rhythmic versatility with the 7 notes of the scale.
Exotic scales like the Persian often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on A#. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes. This scale is especially effective in middle eastern contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the A# Persian scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a mystical quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A# Persian scale contains 7 notes (A#, B, D, D#, E, F#, A). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A# Persian
The A# Persian scale can be played in 5 CAGED positions across the fretboard, each based on an open chord shape (C, A, G, E, D). As a 7-note scale, it also lends itself to 3-notes-per-string (3NPS) patterns that facilitate legato playing and diagonal shifting. Use the pattern selector above to isolate each position.
Explore A# Persian Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A# Persian on Guitar
- A# Persian on Ukulele
- A# Persian on Bass
- A# Persian on Piano