G Double Harmonic Major Guitar Scale
Guitar scale in 8-string tuning — fretboard diagram
G Double Harmonic Major in 8-string — Notes and Intervals
The G Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes G, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F#. 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, Ab, B, C, D, Eb, F#
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
Tuning: 8-string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
Also known as: gypsy
About 8-string Tuning
The 8-string guitar adds both a low B and a low F# string (F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E), pushing the instrument's range almost into bass guitar territory. This massive tonal range has become the weapon of choice for djent, progressive metal, and experimental composers who need bone-crushing low-end and soaring highs in a single instrument.
With artists like Tosin Abasi, Meshuggah, and After the Burial leading the charge, the 8-string guitar has redefined what's possible in modern heavy music. The low F# string delivers subsonic heaviness that you can feel in your chest, while the upper strings maintain standard guitar voicings for leads and clean passages. Extended-range compositions often exploit the full span of the instrument, creating a wall of sound that covers bass, rhythm, and lead guitar roles simultaneously.
Notable artists: Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders, After the Burial, Intervals, Monuments
Best for: Djent polyrhythms, extended-range metal riffs, experimental compositions, and one-instrument arrangements spanning bass to lead
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.
Explore This Scale in Other Tunings
- G Double Harmonic Major in Standard Tuning
- G Double Harmonic Major in Drop D
- G Double Harmonic Major in DADGAD
- G Double Harmonic Major in Open G
- G Double Harmonic Major in Baritone (B Standard)
- G Double Harmonic Major in 7-string
- G Double Harmonic Major in Drop C
- G Double Harmonic Major in Drop B
- G Double Harmonic Major in Open D