A Persian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramAdvanced
A Persian Scale — Notes and Intervals
The A Persian scale is an exotic and highly symmetrical scale that evokes an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere. On Piano, it contains the notes A, Bb, C#, D, Eb, F, G#. Its dense semitones and wide intervals create a winding, hypnotic melodic path that sounds both ancient and mystical. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Ambient. Notable players include Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Buckethead. Use over sustained root notes or drones. Works best in modal, non-functional harmony where the exotic intervals can breathe.
Notes: A, Bb, C#, D, Eb, F, G#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5d, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-H-W-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
Dense with semitones and wide intervals that create a winding, serpentine melodic path. Its high symmetry gives it a meditative, 'orbiting' quality.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Middle Eastern, Film Scores, Metal, Ambient
Notable players: Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Buckethead
How to Use the A Persian Scale
Use over sustained root notes or drones. Works best in modal, non-functional harmony where the exotic intervals can breathe.
Origin & Background
Rooted in the maqam traditions of Persian classical music. Used for centuries in Iranian dastgah modal system.
How to Play A Persian on Piano
On piano, the A Persian 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 Persian scale contains both sharps and flats (2 sharps, 2 flats), which is common in altered and exotic scales. This scale does not follow a traditional major or minor key signature, so reading from sheet music may require accidentals.
Practice Routine
Practice the A Persian 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.
Exotic scales like the Persian often work best as a melodic layer over a single root drone on A. Let the unique intervals speak for themselves without frequent chord changes. This scale is especially effective in metal contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the A Persian scale in the left hand as blocked intervals (thirds or sixths) while the right hand plays the melody. This develops your harmonic ear and comping skills simultaneously. Aim for a mystical quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
The A Persian scale contains 7 notes (A, Bb, C#, D, Eb, F, G#). Use the interactive piano diagram above to explore this scale on Piano.