The double harmonic major scale is also know as Byzantine scale, Ionian flat 2 flat 6, Flamenco mode, Major Romani and Gipsy major. It is made of seven pitches (heptatonic) giving the interval pattern : 1 (tonic), b2 (minor second), 3 (major third), 4 (perfect fourth), 5 (perfect fifth), b6 (minor sixth) and 7 (major seventh).

Formula Chart

As shown in the chart above, the main features of the Byzantine scale is the three semitones between the flat second (b2) and the third (3) and between the flat sixth (b6) and the major seventh (7). This scale can be used over major chords to bring an exotic touch to your improvisations.

One-Octave Shapes

Here are the one-octave guitar shapes for a first approach of the double harmonic major scale. Be sure to play them in all 12 keys anywhere on the guitar neck.

Two-octave Shapes

The next diagrams will help you play the Byzantine scale within the space of two octaves.

3-Notes Per String

Now this last one show you how to play the double harmonic major scale all over the guitar neck using 3 notes per string.

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