F♯ balinese scale diatonic chords
F♯ balinese scale seventh chords
scale
Ukulele fretboard diagram
F# balinese scale — ukulele chords and intervals
Harmonizing the F# balinese scale yields a dark, meditative chord set from the Gamelan tradition. The chords of F# balinese are F# minor, G major, A augmented, B minor, C# unknown, D major, G unknown. 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 F# balinese scale has the following degrees: 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7.
Intervals: H-W-W-W-H-3H-H.
Diatonic chords: F# minor, G major, A augmented, B minor, C# unknown, D major, G unknown.
| Degrees | Chord |
|---|---|
| I | F# minor |
| ii | G major |
| iii | A augmented |
| IV | B minor |
| V | C# unknown |
| vi | D major |
| vii° | G unknown |
Degree-by-Degree Analysis
The I chord (F# minor) is the tonic — the gravitational center of the key. The ii chord (G major) is the minor subdominant, commonly used to approach the V chord. The iii chord (A augmented) functions as a substitute for the I or vi. The IV chord (B minor) is the subdominant — it adds motion and moderate tension. The V chord (C# unknown) is the dominant — it creates the strongest tension that wants to resolve to the I. The vi chord (D major) is the relative minor — it brings emotional color and depth. The vii° chord (G unknown) 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 F# 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 F# 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.