The double harmonic scale, sometimes called the Byzantine scale, is a unique musical scale known for its exotic, Eastern sound. It features two augmented seconds, which give it a distinctive, somewhat Middle Eastern or North African character that sets it apart from more common Western scales.
In terms of structure, the double harmonic scale is a seven-note scale with a pattern of intervals that can be described as:
- Half step
- Augmented second (three half steps)
- Half step
- Whole step
- Half step
- Augmented second
- Half step
In Western music theory, if you start on C, the notes of the C double harmonic scale are: C, Db, E, F, G, Ab, B, and back to C. The presence of those large jumps—augmented seconds—between Db and E, and Ab and B, is what creates the scale’s distinctive sound.
The double harmonic scale is often heard in traditional Middle Eastern, Indian, Greek, and flamenco music. It’s also used in film scores to evoke an exotic or ancient atmosphere and occasionally appears in modern rock and metal for its dramatic, intense tonal quality.
Musicians and composers use this scale to add a mysterious or culturally rich flavor to their melodies and harmonies. Because of its unusual intervals, it invites creative approaches to phrasing and chord progressions that differ from standard Western scales.