C# Enigmatic Cavaquinho Scale
Cavaquinho scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
C# Enigmatic in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The C# Enigmatic scale was invented as a musical puzzle and famously used by Giuseppe Verdi. On Cavaquinho, the notes are C#, D, F, G, A, B, C. It has an unstable and surreal sound because it lacks the traditional fourth and fifth degrees, creating a gliding effect that challenges the listener's expectations. Commonly used in Classical, Experimental, Film Scores. Notable players include Giuseppe Verdi, Igor Stravinsky. Not chord-specific — this is a melodic scale for creating surreal, non-functional passages. Use over sustained pedal tones or atonal contexts.
Notes: C#, D, F, G, A, B, C
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 5d, 6m, 7m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 b5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-W-W-W-H-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Standard (D-B-G-D)