Exploring exotic guitar scales can be an exciting journey that opens up new creative possibilities for your playing. These scales, often originating from various musical traditions and cultures, offer unique and intriguing sounds that can add depth and color to your compositions and improvisations. Here are some exotic guitar scales to explore and tips for incorporating them into your playing:
1. Phrygian Dominant Scale (5th Mode of Harmonic Minor):
- Formula: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 b7
- Known for its Middle Eastern and Spanish flavors, the Phrygian Dominant scale is characterized by its flattened second and minor seventh degrees. It’s commonly used in metal, fusion, and jazz.
2. Hungarian Minor Scale:
- Formula: 1 2 b3 #4 5 b6 7
- The Hungarian Minor scale features a unique augmented fourth (#4) that gives it an exotic and Eastern European sound. Experiment with its distinctive intervals to create captivating melodies.
3. Double Harmonic Scale:
- Formula: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
- Also known as the Byzantine scale, the Double Harmonic scale has a mysterious and exotic quality. Its use of the major third and major seventh creates an intriguing tonal palette.
4. Japanese Hirajoshi Scale:
- Formula: 1 b2 4 5 b6
- The Hirajoshi scale, derived from traditional Japanese music, has a pentatonic structure with a flattened second and flattened sixth. It evokes a sense of mystery and tranquility.
5. Indian Raga Scales:
- Explore various Indian raga scales, such as the Dorian mode with a flattened second (Raga Bhairav), to infuse your playing with Indian classical music influences. These scales have rich melodic possibilities.
6. Arabic Maqam Scales:
- Dive into Arabic music scales, such as the Hijaz scale (1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7), which is used in traditional Middle Eastern music. These scales offer a wealth of exotic melodic patterns.
7. Spanish Gypsy Scale (Phrygian Major):
- Formula: 1 b2 3 4 5 b6 7
- The Spanish Gypsy scale is known for its passionate and flamenco-inspired sound. It combines elements of the Phrygian and major scales, creating a captivating fusion of styles.
8. Enigmatic Scale:
- Formula: 1 b2 3 #4 #5 #6 7
- The Enigmatic scale is characterized by its augmented and diminished intervals. It’s often used for its mysterious and tense qualities, making it a favorite in jazz and fusion.
9. Persian Scale:
- Formula: 1 b2 3 4 b5 6 b7
- The Persian scale has a haunting and exotic sound, featuring a flattened fifth (b5) and a minor seventh (b7). It’s commonly used in Middle Eastern and Persian music.
10. Bebop Dominant Scale with a Passing Tone:
- Formula: 1 2 3 4 5 b6 b7 7
- Add a chromatic passing tone to the Bebop Dominant scale to create a unique and exotic twist on the traditional jazz scale.
Tips for Incorporating Exotic Scales:
- Start by learning the fingerings and positions of these scales on the fretboard.
- Experiment with each scale in different musical contexts, such as chord progressions, soloing, and improvisation.
- Listen to music from the cultures that use these scales to understand their traditional usage and phrasing.
- Combine exotic scales with familiar scales to create intriguing hybrid melodies.
- Practice these scales with a metronome to improve your timing and phrasing.
- Record your improvisations using exotic scales to develop your ear and creativity.
Exploring exotic guitar scales can breathe new life into your playing and inspire fresh musical ideas. Embrace the unique sounds and rich cultural heritage that these scales offer to enhance your guitar journey.
