C# Hijazkiar Guitar Scale
Guitar scale — fretboard diagramIntermediate
What chords fit over C# Hijazkiar?
Open C# Hijazkiar HarmonizerC# Hijazkiar Scale — Notes and Intervals
The C# Hijazkiar scale is the Greek dromos corresponding to the Double Harmonic Major, with augmented second intervals in both tetrachords and a palindromic structure that produces the most unmistakably Middle Eastern sound of all Greek dromoi. On Guitar, the notes are C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, C. It was a primary mode of Smyrna-style Greek musicians and remains central to Rebetiko performances that evoke the cultural crossroads of the Ottoman world. Commonly used in Greek Folk, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Rebetiko. Notable players include Roza Eskenazi, Smyrna musicians. Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and Greek folk contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to a major framework. Supports the characteristic Rebetiko cadences.
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
Musical Character
The Greek folk version of the Double Harmonic Major. With augmented 2nd intervals in both tetrachords and a palindromic interval structure, it produces the most unmistakably Middle Eastern sound of all Greek dromoi.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Greek Folk, Middle Eastern, Turkish, Rebetiko
Notable players: Roza Eskenazi, Smyrna musicians
How to Use the C# Hijazkiar Scale
Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and Greek folk contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to a major framework. Supports the characteristic Rebetiko cadences.
Origin & Background
The Greek dromos corresponding to the Double Harmonic Major (Byzantine) scale. The name derives from the Turkish Hicazkar makam. It was one of the primary modes used by Smyrna-style Greek musicians before and after the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey.
How to Play C# Hijazkiar 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# Hijazkiar scale contains 3 sharps (C#, F#, G#). 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
Practice the C# Hijazkiar 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.
Exotic scales like the Hijazkiar 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 middle eastern contexts.
Guitar Tips
On guitar, try playing the C# Hijazkiar scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs. Aim for a exotic quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The C# Hijazkiar scale contains 7 notes (C#, D, F, F#, G#, A, C). 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# Hijazkiar
The C# Hijazkiar 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# Hijazkiar Further
- Harmonize the C# Hijazkiar scale — triads & 7th chords
- Browse chord progressions
- C# Hijazkiar on Ukulele
- C# Hijazkiar on Bass
- C# Hijazkiar on Piano
Explore C# Hijazkiar in Other Tunings
- C# Hijazkiar in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Hijazkiar in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
- C# Hijazkiar in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
- C# Hijazkiar in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
- C# Hijazkiar in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
- C# Hijazkiar in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
- C# Hijazkiar in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
- C# Hijazkiar in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
- C# Hijazkiar in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
- C# Hijazkiar in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
- C# Hijazkiar in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
- C# Hijazkiar in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
- C# Hijazkiar in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
- C# Hijazkiar in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)