G# Double Harmonic Major Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
G# Double Harmonic Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The G# Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Banjo (5-String), it contains the notes G#, A, C, C#, D#, E, G. It offers an extreme exotic tension with two augmented seconds, used to create iconic surf-rock and Middle Eastern themes. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Surf Rock, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Dick Dale, Rainbow, Marty Friedman. Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and surf rock contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to an otherwise major framework.
Notes: G#, A, C, C#, D#, E, G
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: gypsy
Musical Character
Contains two augmented 2nd intervals placed symmetrically, giving it a perfectly balanced exotic tension. Dick Dale used it to create the iconic surf rock 'Misirlou' guitar tone.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Middle Eastern, Surf Rock, Metal, Film Scores
Notable players: Dick Dale, Rainbow, Marty Friedman
How to Use the G# Double Harmonic Major Scale
Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and surf rock contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to an otherwise major framework.
Origin & Background
Also called the Byzantine or Arabic scale. Used in Misirlou (Dick Dale) and across Middle Eastern, Greek, and Indian classical traditions.
How to Play G# Double Harmonic Major on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating G# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Double Harmonic Major scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The G# Double Harmonic Major scale contains 3 sharps (G#, C#, D#). Its relative minor is E minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the G# Double Harmonic Major scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on G# to let the characteristic intervals of the Double Harmonic Major scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in film scores contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the G# Double Harmonic Major scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a exotic quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The G# Double Harmonic Major scale contains 7 notes (G#, A, C, C#, D#, E, G). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for G# Double Harmonic Major
The G# Double Harmonic Major 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 G# Double Harmonic Major Further
- Browse chord progressions
- G# Double Harmonic Major on Guitar
- G# Double Harmonic Major on Ukulele
- G# Double Harmonic Major on Bass
- G# Double Harmonic Major on Piano