B Hungarian Major Alt Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced
B Hungarian Major Alt Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Hungarian Major Alt scale pairs a Lydian framework with a raised second degree, producing an augmented second from the root and a natural seventh that provides strong tonal resolution. On Banjo (5-String), the notes are B, D, D#, F, F#, G#, A#. Known as Periaiotikos in Greek folk music, it appears in festive Aegean island songs and dances where its bright exoticism elevates celebratory moments. Commonly used in Greek Folk, Eastern European Folk, Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Mikis Theodorakis. Use over major and Maj7 chords in Eastern European contexts. The #2 adds exotic color to an otherwise bright Lydian framework. The natural 7th gives stronger tonal resolution than its b7 counterpart.
Notes: B, D, D#, F, F#, G#, A#
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: periaiotikos
Musical Character
A Lydian mode with a raised 2nd degree (#2), producing an augmented 2nd from the root and a natural 7th (unlike the Hungarian Major which has b7). In Greek folk music this mode is called Periaiotikos.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Greek Folk, Eastern European Folk, Classical, Fusion
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Mikis Theodorakis
How to Use the B Hungarian Major Alt Scale
Use over major and Maj7 chords in Eastern European contexts. The #2 adds exotic color to an otherwise bright Lydian framework. The natural 7th gives stronger tonal resolution than its b7 counterpart.
Origin & Background
A variant of the Hungarian Major scale distinguished by its natural 7th degree. Known in Greek folk music as Periaiotikos, it appears in festive songs and dances of the Aegean islands. Bartok and Kodaly documented similar scales during their ethnomusicological fieldwork in rural Hungary and Romania.
How to Play B Hungarian Major Alt on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Hungarian Major Alt scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Hungarian Major Alt scale contains 4 sharps (D#, F#, G#, A#). Its relative minor is G# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Practice the B Hungarian Major Alt 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.
Experiment with simple two-chord vamps rooted on B to let the characteristic intervals of the Hungarian Major Alt scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in eastern european folk contexts.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the B Hungarian Major Alt scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed. Aim for a bright quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The B Hungarian Major Alt scale contains 7 notes (B, D, D#, F, F#, G#, A#). 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 B Hungarian Major Alt
The B Hungarian Major Alt 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 B Hungarian Major Alt Further
- Browse chord progressions
- B Hungarian Major Alt on Guitar
- B Hungarian Major Alt on Ukulele
- B Hungarian Major Alt on Bass
- B Hungarian Major Alt on Piano