Eb Double harmonic

Major with lowered 2nd and 6th degrees; two augmented 2nds create a contrasting, tense scale.

Octaves

Musical context

How the scale relates to the chord, mode, key and progression.

Theory

General info

Name
Eb Double harmonic
Family
Exotic scales
Note count
7
Step formula
H – W+H – H – W – H – W+H – H
Numeric formula
0-1-3-1-2-1-3-1

Notes & degrees

1Ebroot
b2Fbminor 2nd
3Gmajor 3rd
4Abperfect 4th
5Bbperfect 5th
b6Cbminor 6th
7Dmajor 7th

Construction

Overview
Major with lowered 2nd and 6th degrees; two augmented 2nds create a contrasting, tense scale.
Application in music
Pairs with a major tonic; bII – I and bVI – V moves emphasise its two augmented 2nds.
Interval formula
Eb
H
Fb
WH
G
H
Ab
W
Bb
H
Cb
WH
D

Chords by degree

Tensions & resolutions

Stable degrees

IEbpoint of resttonic
IIIGdefines modal qualitythird
VBbsupports the tonic sonorityfifth

Typical resolutions & tensions

VIIDD
IEbEb
In typical voice leading, the leading tone rises by semitone to tonic.
IIIGG
IVAbAb
In a dominant context, scale degree 4 normally descends by step to 3.
IEbEb
IIFbFb
Scale degree 2 may descend to tonic; the motion is especially close when degree 2 is lowered.

This scale on guitar 🎸

See how Eb Double harmonic looks on guitar.

Explore

Circle of fifths

The major key on the same tonic and its neighbouring keys on the circle of fifths.

CAmGEmDBmAF#mEC#mBG#mF#D#mDbBbmAbFmEbCmBbGmFDmEbmajor
Relative key
Dominant
Subdominant
Key signature
3 flats (Bb, Eb, Ab)

Connections

Practice

Keyboard Trainer

Reinforce it in practice — play and name notes on the interactive keyboard.

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Frequently Asked Questions