A Hungarian Major Alt Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
A Hungarian Major Alt Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Hungarian Major Alt scale pairs a Lydian framework with a raised second degree, producing an augmented second from the root and a natural seventh that provides strong tonal resolution. On Piano, the notes are A, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G#. Known as Periaiotikos in Greek folk music, it appears in festive Aegean island songs and dances where its bright exoticism elevates celebratory moments. Commonly used in Greek Folk, Eastern European Folk, Classical, Fusion. Notable players include Bela Bartok, Mikis Theodorakis. Use over major and Maj7 chords in Eastern European contexts. The #2 adds exotic color to an otherwise bright Lydian framework. The natural 7th gives stronger tonal resolution than its b7 counterpart.
Notes: A, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2A, 3M, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7M
Degrees: 1 #2 3 #4 5 6 7
Formula: WH-H-W-H-W-W-H
Number of notes: 7
Also known as: periaiotikos
Musical Character
A Lydian mode with a raised 2nd degree (#2), producing an augmented 2nd from the root and a natural 7th (unlike the Hungarian Major which has b7). In Greek folk music this mode is called Periaiotikos.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Greek Folk, Eastern European Folk, Classical, Fusion
Notable players: Bela Bartok, Mikis Theodorakis
How to Use the A Hungarian Major Alt Scale
Use over major and Maj7 chords in Eastern European contexts. The #2 adds exotic color to an otherwise bright Lydian framework. The natural 7th gives stronger tonal resolution than its b7 counterpart.
Origin & Background
A variant of the Hungarian Major scale distinguished by its natural 7th degree. Known in Greek folk music as Periaiotikos, it appears in festive songs and dances of the Aegean islands. Bartok and Kodaly documented similar scales during their ethnomusicological fieldwork in rural Hungary and Romania.
How to Play A Hungarian Major Alt on Piano
On piano, the A Hungarian Major Alt scale uses 4 black keys. With several black keys involved, let the thumb naturally fall on white keys where possible. Practice hands separately at first, paying attention to smooth thumb-under transitions.
The A Hungarian Major Alt scale contains 4 sharps (C#, D#, F#, G#). Its relative minor is F# minor, which shares the same notes.
Practice Routine — Exercises for Playing
Practice the A Hungarian Major Alt scale by playing it ascending with one rhythmic feel (straight eighth notes) and descending with another (swing or triplets) at 100 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 A to let the characteristic intervals of the Hungarian Major Alt scale come through clearly. This scale is especially effective in eastern european folk contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the A Hungarian Major Alt scale hands together in contrary motion (one hand ascending, the other descending). This builds independence and strengthens your awareness of the scale's symmetry. Aim for a bright quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A Hungarian Major Alt scale contains 7 notes (A, C, C#, D#, E, F#, G#). Use the interactive fretboard diagram above to explore each shape and pattern on Piano. Practice ascending and descending from the root note to learn the sound of this scale.