D Double Harmonic Major Scale

What is the D Double Harmonic Major Scale?

The double harmonic major scale (also called the Byzantine scale) features two augmented 2nd intervals, giving it an intensely exotic, ornamental sound. Its roots span Middle Eastern maqam traditions, Indian raga, and Byzantine liturgical chant — a truly global scale that sounds dramatic the moment you play it. Here's how the D Double Harmonic Major Scale lays out on the fretboard.

Notes and Positions

Two augmented seconds; exotic and dramatic. On bass, this scale becomes a toolkit for strong roots, passing tones, and melodic fills that still support the groove. Think in root-on-E and root-on-A boxes, then adapt the same notes for 5-string bass when the low B string gives you another root below the pattern. In the key of D, the notes are: D, Eb, F#, G, A, Bb, C#.

How to Use It

You'll often hear it in Middle Eastern, Romani, and Metal. A good way to internalize the sound is to sing the root, then sing a few scale degrees before you play them.

Build two-bar bass lines that return to the root before experimenting with wider melodic movement. Use the interactive fretboard above to spot repeats of the same note on different strings and frets.