B Double Harmonic Major Bass Scale
Bass scale — fretboard diagram
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 Bass, 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
How to Play B Double Harmonic Major on Bass
On bass, locate B on the A string at fret 2. Use a one-finger-per-fret approach starting from the root and span two to three strings. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and practice shifting between positions cleanly.
The B Double Harmonic Major scale contains 3 sharps (D#, F#, A#). Its relative minor is G minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the B Double Harmonic Major scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 80 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 Double Harmonic Major scale come through clearly.
Bass Tips
Practice the B Double Harmonic Major scale on bass using only your index and ring fingers for a two-finger-per-string approach, then switch to one-finger-per-fret. Both techniques are essential for different musical situations.
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 Bass with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for B Double Harmonic Major
The B Double Harmonic Major 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.