The Double Harmonic Major scale is also known as the Byzantine Scale, Arabic Scale, or Ionian ♭2 ♭6. It is characterized by two augmented seconds, creating an intense and exotic sound.

Scale formula

The formula for the Double Harmonic Major is:

1 – ♭2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – ♭6 – 7

Chords

• Maj7 (e.g., Cmaj7): The scale contains a major triad and natural 7th, supporting a major 7 chord.
• V7♭9 (e.g., G7♭9): The scale includes a dominant 7 chord with a ♭9, common in minor key cadences.
• Maj7♭6 / Maj7♯5: The ♭6 (or enharmonic ♯5) implies an exotic extension to a major chord.
• Dim7 (e.g., B°7): The diminished chord on the 7th degree fits the scale’s harmonic structure.

Usage

The Double Harmonic Major scale is intensely exotic, with symmetrical qualities and dramatic melodic leaps. It’s widely used in Middle Eastern, Indian, Romani, and flamenco music, as well as metal and neoclassical guitar solos. It’s especially effective in compositions or improvisation that revolve around a tonic major chord and a dominant 7♭9 leading to a minor tonic resolution, such as G7♭9 → Cmin, exploiting the harmonic pull inherent in the scale.