scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
D balinese scale — ukulele chords and intervals
Harmonizing the D balinese scale yields a dark, meditative chord set from the Gamelan tradition. The chords of D balinese are D minor, Eb major, F augmented, G minor, A (1-3-♭5), Bb major, C# (1-2-♭5). These chords create a shimmering, Southeast Asian harmonic world that feels ancient and spiritual. Use them for cultural scoring or to add a haunting, non-Western harmonic flavor to contemporary music. Commonly used in Gamelan, World, Ambient, Film Scores. Notable players include Colin McPhee, Steve Reich.
The D balinese scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7.
Intervals: H-W-W-W-H-3H-H.
Diatonic chords: D minor, Eb major, F augmented, G minor, A (1-3-♭5), Bb major, C# (1-2-♭5).
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | D minor |
| ii | Eb major |
| iii | F augmented |
| IV | G minor |
| V | A (1-3-♭5) |
| vi | Bb major |
| vii° | C# (1-2-♭5) |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (D minor) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (Eb major) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (F augmented) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (G minor) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (A (1-3-♭5)) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (Bb major) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (C# (1-2-♭5)) 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 D balinese 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 D balinese scale on ukulele.
Related Scales
How to Use This Scale
Use over drones and sustained bass notes. Traditional Gamelan music doesn't use chords — the scale is inherently melodic and interlocking.