The Romanian Major Scale

The Romanian Major (Scale) is built of the following sequence of half (H) and whole steps (W) : H – H+W – W – H – W – H – W, giving the interval formula 1 (tonic), b2 (minor second), 3 (major third), #4 (augmented fourth), 5 (perfect fifth), 6 (sixth), b7 (minor seventh). As shown in the chart below, the C Romanian Major Scale contains the notes C, Db, E, F#, G, A and Bb.

The Romanian (Major) Scale can also be named Lydian Dominant Flat Second (or Flat Ninth) Scale. It can be interesting over dominant seventh chords to add a bit of tension thanks to the b9 and #11.

One Octave Shapes

Here is the Romanian (Major Scale) with in the space of one octave. Four way to play it, shape having the tonic/root on different strings.

Two Octave Shapes

The are diagrams show the Romanian Major Scale in position, covering six strings and two octaves.

Comparison Between Romanian Major and Minor Scale

Three Notes Per String

Here you can see the seven modes of the Romanian Major Scale organized with three notes per string in order to run the whole guitar neck. Be sure to practice them in all twelve keys.

The Romanian (minor) scale

The Romanian (minor) scale is actually the fourth mode of the harmonic minor scale named Dorian #11. It is spelled 1 (tonic) – 2 (major second) – b3 (minor third) – #4 (augmented fourth) – 5 (perfect fifth) – 6 (major sixth) – b7 (minor seventh). This scale has a particular sound due to the augmented fourth (#4), making it an important scale in Jewish music. Notice that it is sometimes named Ukrainian Dorian (minor) or Altered Dorian,

Comparison With The Dorian Mode

As shown in the diagrams, the Romanian minor scale can be seen as the Dorian mode with an augmented fourth (#4). Comparing scale to each other is a good way to learn them and hear them.

One Octave Shapes

These are “One Octave” Shapes will help you learn and practice the Romanian minor scale in a simple and efficient way.

Two Octave Shapes

Here is the Romanian minor scale in position with notes within the space of two octaves.

3 Notes Per String

Here below, the seven modes of the Romanian Minor Scale. In other words, the following seven shapes represent the scale starting on each step. This is a good method to practice it all over the guitar neck.