E Sabach Guitar Scale

E Sabach Scale — Notes and Intervals

The E Sabach scale is a Greek dromos built on a minor framework with a distinctive flattened fourth degree that creates an unusual chromatic cluster in its lower half. On Guitar, its notes are E, F#, G, G#, B, C, D. This compressed interval gives it a shadowy, introspective character that sets it apart from standard minor modes, making it ideal for contemplative and devotional Greek folk passages.

Notes: E, F#, G, G#, B, C, D

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

Degrees: 1 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7

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

Number of notes: 7

How to Play E Sabach on Guitar

Start the E Sabach scale in open position, taking advantage of the open E string. 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 E Sabach scale contains 2 sharps (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 E Sabach 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 Sabach often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on E. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes.

Guitar Tips

On guitar, try playing the E Sabach scale using legato technique (hammer-ons and pull-offs) to develop a smooth, connected sound. This is particularly effective for longer scale runs.

The E Sabach scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G, G#, B, C, D). 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 E Sabach

The E Sabach 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 E Sabach Further

• Harmonize the E Sabach scale — triads & 7th chords
• Browse chord progressions
• E Sabach on Ukulele
• E Sabach on Bass
• E Sabach on Piano

Explore E Sabach in Other Tunings

• E Sabach in Drop D (E-B-G-D-A-D)
• E Sabach in DADGAD (D-A-G-D-A-D)
• E Sabach in Open G (D-B-G-D-G-D)
• E Sabach in Baritone (B Standard) (B-F#-D-A-E-B)
• E Sabach in 7-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B)
• E Sabach in 8-string (E-B-G-D-A-E-B-F#)
• E Sabach in Drop C (D-A-F-C-G-C)
• E Sabach in Drop B (C#-G#-E-B-F#-B)
• E Sabach in Open D (D-A-F#-D-A-D)
• E Sabach in Half Step Down (Eb-Bb-Gb-Db-Ab-Eb)
• E Sabach in Open E (E-B-G#-E-B-E)
• E Sabach in Open A (E-C#-A-E-A-E)
• E Sabach in Double Drop D (D-B-G-D-A-D)
• E Sabach in Open C (E-C-G-C-G-C)

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