C Persian (tsinganikos) Guitar Scale

Guitar scale — fretboard diagramAdvanced

C persian (tsinganikos) scale — 6-string guitar fretboard diagramInteractive fretboard diagram showing the C persian (tsinganikos) scale on 6-string guitar with 22 frets. Notes: .1357911121315171921

What chords fit over C Persian (tsinganikos)?

Open C Persian (tsinganikos) Harmonizer

C Persian (tsinganikos) Scale — Notes and Intervals

The C Persian (tsinganikos) scale features augmented second intervals in both its lower and upper tetrachords, with a flatted seventh that distinguishes it from other Persian-type scales. On Guitar, the notes are C, Db, E, F, Gb, A, Bb. Its dual exotic leaps create a winding, serpentine melodic path central to Greek Rebetiko and Laiko traditions, where it carries the fierce passion of Romani musical expression. Commonly used in Greek Folk, Middle Eastern, Romani, Film Scores. Notable players include Glykeria, Stelios Kazantzidis. Use over sustained root notes and drone-based harmony. The dual augmented 2nds support ornamental melodic passages. Works over both major and minor chords depending on which tetrachord is emphasized.

Notes: C, Db, E, F, Gb, A, Bb

Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6M, 7m

Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 6 b7

Formula: H-WH-H-H-WH-H-W

Number of notes: 7

Musical Character

PassionateExoticLamentingFiery

Contains augmented 2nd intervals in both its lower and upper tetrachords, with a b7 that distinguishes it from other Persian-type scales. The double exotic leap creates an intensely passionate, winding melodic character.

Genres & Notable Artists

Genres: Greek Folk, Middle Eastern, Romani, Film Scores

Notable players: Glykeria, Stelios Kazantzidis

How to Use the C Persian (tsinganikos) Scale

Use over sustained root notes and drone-based harmony. The dual augmented 2nds support ornamental melodic passages. Works over both major and minor chords depending on which tetrachord is emphasized.

Origin & Background

Known as Tsinganikos in Greek folk music, where it is associated with the Romani musical traditions of Greece. The name literally means 'of the Roma' in Greek. It functions as the 5th mode of the Hijazkiar (double harmonic major) scale and features prominently in Rebetiko and Laiko genres.

How to Play C Persian (tsinganikos) on Guitar

Place your index finger at fret 8 on the 6th (low E) to find your C root note. Use a three-notes-per-string fingering to cover the full scale in one position, or learn the CAGED shapes to navigate the entire fretboard. An alternative starting point is open position.

The C Persian (tsinganikos) scale contains 3 flats (Db, Gb, Bb). 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 100 BPM and play the C Persian (tsinganikos) 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 Persian (tsinganikos) often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on C. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes. This scale is especially effective in greek folk contexts.

Guitar Tips

On guitar, practice the C Persian (tsinganikos) scale on a single string from the open position to the 12th fret. This trains your ear to hear the intervals linearly and helps with slide guitar applications. Aim for a passionate quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.

Related Scales

The C Persian (tsinganikos) scale contains 7 notes (C, Db, E, F, Gb, A, Bb). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Guitar 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 C Persian (tsinganikos)

The C Persian (tsinganikos) 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 C Persian (tsinganikos) Further

Explore C Persian (tsinganikos) in Other Tunings

← Back to all Guitar scales