D# Batti Major Sharp Five Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
D# Batti Major Sharp Five Scale — Notes and Intervals
The D# Batti Major Sharp Five scale is an Ethiopian pentatonic with a raised fifth degree that introduces an augmented quality rare among five-note scales, stretching the intervals into expansive, exotic territory. On Piano, its notes are D#, G, G#, B, D. Remarkably, the same scale appears independently in Romanian folk music as Bacovia, suggesting either ancient cultural contact or a striking convergence of musical evolution across continents. Commonly used in Ethiopian, Romanian Folk, World, Experimental. Notable players include Mulatu Astatke. Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. The raised 5th pushes the pentatonic beyond its usual consonant comfort zone into more tense, exotic territory.
Notes: D#, G, G#, B, D
Intervals: 1P, 3M, 4P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 2 3 b4 5
Formula: 4-H-WH-WH-H
Number of notes: 5
Musical Character
A pentatonic with a raised 5th degree, creating an augmented quality rare in pentatonic scales. The wide intervals produce an expansive, stretching sensation. Also appears in Romanian folk music under the name Bacovia.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Ethiopian, Romanian Folk, World, Experimental
Notable players: Mulatu Astatke
How to Use the D# Batti Major Sharp Five Scale
Use over augmented and Maj7#5 chords. The raised 5th pushes the pentatonic beyond its usual consonant comfort zone into more tense, exotic territory.
Origin & Background
From the Ethiopian kiñit system, this variant of the Batti major family features a raised 5th degree. Remarkably, the same scale appears independently in Romanian folk music, where it is known as Bacovia. This parallel suggests either ancient cultural contact or a convergent musical evolution.
How to Play D# Batti Major Sharp Five on Piano
On piano, the D# Batti Major Sharp Five scale uses 2 black keys. Start with your thumb on D# and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The D# Batti Major Sharp Five scale contains 2 sharps (D#, 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
Set a metronome to 80 BPM and play the D# Batti Major Sharp Five scale in groups of four notes, shifting the starting note each repetition. This builds muscle memory across the entire scale range. After a week, try improvising short 4-bar phrases using only these notes.
This scale works well over simple power chord progressions or a 12-bar blues in D#. Try a D#5 - B5 - D5 progression. This scale is especially effective in experimental contexts.
Piano Tips
On piano, practice the D# Batti Major Sharp Five 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 D# Batti Major Sharp Five scale contains 5 notes (D#, G, G#, B, D). 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.