A# Houzam Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale — fretboard diagram
A# Houzam Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A# Houzam scale is a Greek dromos characterized by augmented second intervals that give it an unmistakably Middle Eastern vocal quality. On Cavaquinho, it contains the notes A#, B##, D, D#, F, F#, A. Used extensively in Greek tavern music and Ottoman-influenced traditions, it provides a rich harmonic palette for melodic improvisation steeped in cultural depth and emotional intensity.
Notes: A#, B##, D, D#, F, F#, A
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: WH-H-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
How to Play A# Houzam on Cavaquinho
Begin by locating A# on your instrument and play through the 7 notes of the Houzam scale slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly before increasing speed.
The A# Houzam scale contains 4 sharps (A#, B##, 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 A# Houzam 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 Houzam 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.
Cavaquinho Tips
Practice the A# Houzam scale slowly and evenly on your instrument, focusing on tone quality for each of the 7 notes before building speed.
The A# Houzam scale contains 7 notes (A#, B##, D, D#, F, F#, A). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Cavaquinho 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# Houzam
The A# Houzam 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# Houzam Further
- Harmonize the A# Houzam scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- A# Houzam on Guitar
- A# Houzam on Ukulele
- A# Houzam on Bass
- A# Houzam on Piano