F# Double Harmonic Major Cuatro Venezolano Scale
Cuatro Venezolano scale in Standard tuning — fretboard diagram
F# Double Harmonic Major in Standard — Notes and Intervals
The F# Double Harmonic Major scale, commonly known as the Byzantine scale, is a perfectly balanced seven-note scale. On Cuatro Venezolano, it contains the notes F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, F. 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: F#, G, A#, B, C#, D, F
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 (B-F#-D-A)
Also known as: gypsy