C♯ oriental scale diatonic chords
C♯ oriental scale seventh chords
scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
C# oriental scale — ukulele chords and intervals
The harmonized C# oriental scale generates an aggressive, dissonant chord family designed to create tension and unease. The chords from C# oriental are C# unknown, D augmented, G unknown, F# major, G major, A# minor, B minor. Film and television composers use these chords to signal danger and ancient mystery. The harsh harmonic intervals create a sense of foreboding that is difficult to achieve with more common chord families. Commonly used in Film Scores, Metal, Experimental. Notable players include Hans Zimmer, John Williams.
The C# oriental scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 3 4 ♭5 6 ♭7.
Intervals: H-3H-H-H-3H-H-W.
Diatonic chords: C# unknown, D augmented, G unknown, F# major, G major, A# minor, B minor.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | C# unknown |
| ii | D augmented |
| iii | G unknown |
| IV | F# major |
| V | G major |
| vi | A# minor |
| vii° | B minor |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (C# unknown) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (D augmented) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (G unknown) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (F# major) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (G major) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (A# minor) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (B minor) is the diminished — the most tense, rarely used alone, usually leading to the I.
This page focuses on the harmonic content — the chords built from each degree of the C# oriental scale. For fretboard patterns and fingering guides, see the scale page.
Use the interactive harmonizer above to explore triads, seventh chords, and chord voicings for composing with the C# oriental scale on ukulele.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over sustained bass notes or pedal tones. Best in dramatic, cinematic contexts rather than over standard chord changes.