A Hijazkiar Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
A Hijazkiar Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Hijazkiar scale is the Greek dromos corresponding to the Double Harmonic Major, with augmented second intervals in both tetrachords and a palindromic structure that produces the most unmistakably Middle Eastern sound of all Greek dromoi. On Banjo (5-String), the notes are A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, G#. It was a primary mode of Smyrna-style Greek musicians and remains central to Rebetiko performances that evoke the cultural crossroads of the Ottoman world. Commonly used in Greek Folk, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Rebetiko. Notable players include Roza Eskenazi, Smyrna musicians. Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and Greek folk contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to a major framework. Supports the characteristic Rebetiko cadences.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, 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
Musical Character
The Greek folk version of the Double Harmonic Major. With augmented 2nd intervals in both tetrachords and a palindromic interval structure, it produces the most unmistakably Middle Eastern sound of all Greek dromoi.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Greek Folk, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Rebetiko
Notable players: Roza Eskenazi, Smyrna musicians
How to Use the A Hijazkiar Scale
Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and Greek folk contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to a major framework. Supports the characteristic Rebetiko cadences.
Origin & Background
The Greek dromos corresponding to the Double Harmonic Major (Byzantine) scale. The name derives from the Turkish Hicazkar makam. It was one of the primary modes used by Smyrna-style Greek musicians before and after the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
How to Play A Hijazkiar on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating A on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Hijazkiar scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A Hijazkiar scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 1 flat), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the A Hijazkiar 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.
Exotic scales like the Hijazkiar 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 greek folk contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the A Hijazkiar 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 A Hijazkiar scale contains 7 notes (A, Bb, C#, D, E, F, G#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Banjo (5-String) with different tunings and fret ranges. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for A Hijazkiar
The A Hijazkiar 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 Hijazkiar Further
- Browse chord progressions
- A Hijazkiar on Guitar
- A Hijazkiar on Ukulele
- A Hijazkiar on Bass
- A Hijazkiar on Piano