A♯ Hindu scale
The A♯ Hindu scale is a 7-note hindu scale built on the root A♯. Its notes are A♯, B♯, C𝄪, D♯, E♯, F♯ and G♯. Mixolydian with a flat sixth — major brightness with a darker upper tetrachord, common in Indian-flavoured rock and metal. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make A♯ Hindu a great tool for improvising and composing.
Hindu scale (Mixolydian ♭6) appears in Indian classical music and Western rock/metal looking for an exotic dominant sound. Joe Satriani uses it constantly. Built on the root A♯, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where A♯ is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- A♯ · B♯ · C𝄪 · D♯ · E♯ · F♯ · G♯
- Formula
- 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m
- Step pattern
- W W H W H W W
- Tonic
- A♯
A♯ Hindu on the piano
A♯ Hindu on the guitar
A♯ Hindu on the staff
Hear the A♯ Hindu scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the A♯ Hindu scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | A♯(A#) | |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | B♯(B#) | |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | C𝄪(C##) | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | D♯(D#) | |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | E♯(E#) | |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | F♯(F#) | |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | G♯(G#) |
Diatonic chords of A♯ Hindu
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
How to use the A♯ Hindu scale
The diatonic chords of A♯ Hindu are: I = A♯, ii° = B♯°, iii° = C𝄪°, iv = D♯m, v = E♯m, VI+ = F♯+, VII = G♯. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in A♯ Hindu. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Hindu scale (Mixolydian ♭6) appears in Indian classical music and Western rock/metal looking for an exotic dominant sound. Joe Satriani uses it constantly.
Practice tips
Compare hindu against parallel Mixolydian to feel what the flat sixth adds. Improvise over a 7sus4 chord using only Hindu notes for an instant exotic-rock vibe.
Where you will hear A♯ Hindu
A♯ Hindu appears throughout hindu scale (mixolydian ♭6) appears in indian classical music and western rock/metal looking for an exotic dominant sound. joe satriani uses it constantly. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The A♯ Hindu scale follows Mixolydian with a flat sixth (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7) — also the fifth mode of melodic minor. Step pattern: W - W - H - W - H - W - W. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Questions people ask
- What notes are in the A♯ Hindu scale?
- The A♯ Hindu scale contains A♯, B♯, C𝄪, D♯, E♯, F♯ and G♯.
- What is the formula for the A♯ Hindu scale?
- A♯ Hindu follows Mixolydian with a flat sixth (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7) — also the fifth mode of melodic minor.
- Is A♯ Hindu a major or minor scale?
- A♯ Hindu is a hindu scale. Mixolydian with a flat sixth — major brightness with a darker upper tetrachord, common in Indian-flavoured rock and metal.
- What chords belong to the A♯ Hindu scale?
- The diatonic chords of A♯ Hindu are A♯, B♯°, C𝄪°, D♯m, E♯m, F♯+, G♯.
- Which genres use A♯ Hindu?
- Hindu scale (Mixolydian ♭6) appears in Indian classical music and Western rock/metal looking for an exotic dominant sound. Joe Satriani uses it constantly.
- How do I practise the A♯ Hindu scale?
- Compare hindu against parallel Mixolydian to feel what the flat sixth adds. Improvise over a 7sus4 chord using only Hindu notes for an instant exotic-rock vibe.