A Persian Piano Scale
Piano scale diagram
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
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 80 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.
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.
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.