E Double Harmonic Major Cuatro Venezolano Scale — Standard
Cuatro Venezolano scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
E Double Harmonic Major in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The E Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Cuatro Venezolano, it contains the notes E, F, G#, A, B, C, D#. It offers an extreme exotic tension with two augmented seconds, used to create iconic surf-rock and Middle Eastern themes. Commonly used in Middle Eastern, Surf Rock, Metal, Film Scores. Notable players include Dick Dale, Rainbow, Marty Friedman. Use over major chords in Middle Eastern and surf rock contexts. The b2 and b6 add exotic color to an otherwise major framework.
Notes: E, F, G#, A, B, C, D#
Intervals: 1P, 2m, 3M, 4P, 5P, 6m, 7M
Degrees: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
Formula: H-WH-H-W-H-WH-H
Number of notes: 7
Tuning: Standard (A-D-F#-B)
Also known as: gypsy
About Standard Tuning
The Cuatro Venezolano is a four-string instrument tuned A-D-F#-B with a reentrant tuning — the 4th string (B) is tuned lower than the 3rd string (F#), breaking the ascending pitch order. This reentrant voicing gives the Cuatro its signature bright, harp-like strumming sound that drives the rhythm in joropo, vals venezolano, and other Venezuelan folk genres.
The Cuatro is the national instrument of Venezuela, as fundamental to Venezuelan music as the guitar is to flamenco. Its distinctive rasgueo (strumming) technique produces a rhythmic drive that is instantly recognizable. Unlike guitar, the Cuatro is primarily a rhythmic instrument — its reentrant tuning creates a compact voicing range that blends beautifully with harp and maracas in traditional ensembles. Players like Cheo Hurtado and Hernán Gamboa have elevated the Cuatro to a solo concert instrument.
Notable artists: Cheo Hurtado, Hernán Gamboa, Simón Díaz, C4 Trío, Jorge Glem
Best for: Venezuelan folk music, joropo rhythm, Latin ensemble playing, and any style that needs bright rhythmic strumming