C# Double Harmonic Major Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagram
C# Double Harmonic Major Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Guitar, it contains the notes C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, C. 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: C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, C
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 C# Double Harmonic Major on Guitar
Place your index finger at fret 9 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 4th fret on the A string.
The C# Double Harmonic Major scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is A minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine
Practice the C# 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 C# to let the characteristic intervals of the Double Harmonic Major scale come through clearly.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C# Double Harmonic Major scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.
The C# Double Harmonic Major scale contains 7 notes (C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, C). Use the interactive fretboard above to explore this scale on Guitar with different tunings and fret ranges.
CAGED Positions & Patterns for C# Double Harmonic Major
The C# 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.
Explore C# Double Harmonic Major Further
- Harmonize the C# Double Harmonic Major scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Double Harmonic Major on Ukulele
- C# Double Harmonic Major on Bass
- C# Double Harmonic Major on Piano
Explore C# Double Harmonic Major in Other Tunings
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Double Harmonic Major in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)