B Segiah Banjo (5-String) Scale
Banjo (5-String) scale — fretboard diagram
B Segiah Scale — Notes and Intervals
The B Segiah scale is a Greek dromos that places an augmented second directly from the tonic, producing an immediate exotic tension at the very start of any melodic phrase. On Banjo (5-String), the notes are B, D, D#, E, F#, G, A. This bold opening interval makes it one of the most expressive dromoi in the Greek modal tradition, suited to both instrumental improvisations and deeply emotive vocal performances.
Notes: B, D, D#, E, F#, G, A
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7m
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 5 b6 b7
Formula: WH-H-H-W-H-W-W
Number of notes: 7
How to Play B Segiah on Banjo (5-String)
Begin by locating B on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Segiah scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The B Segiah scale contains 2 sharps (D#, F#). 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 B Segiah 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 Segiah often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on B. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.
Banjo (5-String) Tips
Practice the B Segiah scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The B Segiah scale contains 7 notes (B, D, D#, E, 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 Segiah
The B Segiah 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.