C Persian scale
The C Persian scale is a 7-note persian scale built on the root C. Its notes are C, D♭, E, F, G♭, A♭ and B. Two augmented seconds and a flat second — distinctly Middle-Eastern, dramatic and ornamented. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make C Persian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Persian shows up in Persian classical music and any Western composition reaching for a Middle-Eastern flavour. Two augmented seconds make it instantly recognisable. Built on the root C, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where C is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- C · D♭ · E · F · G♭ · A♭ · B
- Formula
- 1P · 2m · 3M · 4P · 5d · 6m · 7M
- Step pattern
- H W+H H H W W+H H
- Tonic
- C
C Persian on the piano
C Persian on the guitar
C Persian on the staff
Hear the C Persian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the C Persian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | C | |
| 2 | 2m | 1 | D♭(Db) | |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | E | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | F | |
| 5 | 5d | 6 | G♭(Gb) | |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | A♭(Ab) | |
| 7 | 7M | 11 | B |
Diatonic chords of C Persian
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 C Persian scale
The diatonic chords of C Persian are: I = C, II = D♭, III = E, iv = Fm, V = G♭, VI+ = A♭+, VII = B. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in C Persian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Persian shows up in Persian classical music and any Western composition reaching for a Middle-Eastern flavour. Two augmented seconds make it instantly recognisable.
Practice tips
Lean into the two augmented seconds (3 to ♭5 wait — ♭2 to 3, and ♭6 to 7) as expressive ornaments rather than stepwise notes. Slow chromatic ornamentation around them sells the Persian sound.
Where you will hear C Persian
C Persian appears throughout persian shows up in persian classical music and any western composition reaching for a middle-eastern flavour. two augmented seconds make it instantly recognisable. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The C Persian scale follows two augmented seconds and a flat second produce a distinctly Middle-Eastern colour (1, ♭2, 3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, 7). Step pattern: H - W+H - H - H - W - W+H - H. Intervals from the root: 1P · 2m · 3M · 4P · 5d · 6m · 7M. Memorising the formula lets you transpose the scale to any other root note quickly.
Questions people ask
- What notes are in the C Persian scale?
- The C Persian scale contains C, D♭, E, F, G♭, A♭ and B.
- What is the formula for the C Persian scale?
- C Persian follows two augmented seconds and a flat second produce a distinctly Middle-Eastern colour (1, ♭2, 3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, 7).
- Is C Persian a major or minor scale?
- C Persian is a persian scale. Two augmented seconds and a flat second — distinctly Middle-Eastern, dramatic and ornamented.
- What chords belong to the C Persian scale?
- The diatonic chords of C Persian are C, D♭, E, Fm, G♭, A♭+, B.
- Which genres use C Persian?
- Persian shows up in Persian classical music and any Western composition reaching for a Middle-Eastern flavour. Two augmented seconds make it instantly recognisable.
- How do I practise the C Persian scale?
- Lean into the two augmented seconds (3 to ♭5 wait — ♭2 to 3, and ♭6 to 7) as expressive ornaments rather than stepwise notes. Slow chromatic ornamentation around them sells the Persian sound.