E Souzinak Piano Scale
Piano scale diagramIntermediate
E Souzinak Scale — Notes and Intervals
The E Souzinak scale is a Greek dromos identical to Dorian with a raised fourth, producing an intense, fiery quality that musicians describe as deep pathos beyond simple sadness. On Piano, its notes are E, F#, G, A#, B, C#, D. Derived from the Turkish makam Suznak, it carries connotations of bittersweet passion in Rebetiko and is essential for expressing the crying quality of Greek lament songs. Commonly used in Greek Folk, Rebetiko, Klezmer, Balkan. Notable players include Vassilis Tsitsanis, Markos Vamvakaris. Use over m7 chords with an augmented 4th color. The #4 adds the characteristic crying quality used in Greek tavern songs and laments.
Notes: E, F#, G, A#, B, C#, D
Intervals: 1P, 2M, 3m, 4A, 5P, 6M, 7m
Degrees: 1 2 b3 #4 5 6 b7
Formula: W-H-WH-H-W-H-W
Number of notes: 7
Musical Character
The Greek folk version of Dorian #4. The raised 4th within a Dorian framework produces an intense, fiery quality that Greek musicians describe as having deep pathos — an emotional intensity beyond simple sadness.
Genres & Notable Artists
Genres: Greek Folk, Rebetiko, Klezmer, Balkan
Notable players: Vassilis Tsitsanis, Markos Vamvakaris
How to Use the E Souzinak Scale
Use over m7 chords with an augmented 4th color. The #4 adds the characteristic crying quality used in Greek tavern songs and laments.
Origin & Background
A principal dromos in Greek folk music, identical to the Dorian #4 mode (4th mode of harmonic minor). The name comes from the Turkish makam Suznak. In Rebetiko it carries connotations of intense, bittersweet passion.
How to Play E Souzinak on Piano
On piano, the E Souzinak scale uses 3 black keys. Start with your thumb on E and use the black keys as landmarks for consistent finger placement. Standard major or minor fingering patterns apply.
The E Souzinak scale contains 3 sharps (F#, A#, C#). 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 Souzinak 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 Souzinak 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. This scale is especially effective in greek folk contexts.
Piano Tips
At the piano, try voicing the E Souzinak 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 fiery quality in your phrasing to match the natural character of this scale.
Related Scales
Souzinak is the 4th mode of the Harmonic Minor scale. View E Harmonic minor scale
The E Souzinak scale contains 7 notes (E, F#, G, A#, B, C#, 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.