B Double Harmonic Major
Ukulele scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
B Double Harmonic Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Ukulele, it contains the notes B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A#. 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: B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A#
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 B 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.
Related Scales
The B Double Harmonic Major scale contains 7 notes (B, C, D#, E, F#, G, A#). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Ukulele with different tunings and fret ranges.