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Exotic scales

Scale

Exotic scales

Scales drawn from outside the common practice tradition. Use sparingly for unique color and unusual cadences.

RootCAdvancedHungarian minor, Phrygian dominant, Persian, Japanese in-sen

01Fretboard

Positions on the neck

This entry is an overview. Browse related scales for playable diagrams.

Intervals

    Example in C

    Used in

    • Film
    • Metal
    • World Music

    02Progressions

    Common progressions in this scale

    • Pop

      I V vi IV

      C G Am F

      Optimistic, instantly familiar.

    • Blues

      I IV V

      A D E

      Twelve bar blues, the foundation of rock.

    • Modal

      i bVII bVI

      Am G F

      Cinematic, used in many film themes.

    Preview

    03Practice

    Exercises to internalize this scale

    • Three notes per string

      Run the shape up and down using strict alternate picking.

      10 minutes

    • Target tones

      Land on the root or third of the underlying chord on beat one.

      10 minutes

    • Phrasing motifs

      Pick a three note motif and develop it across two octaves.

      10 minutes