E Hindu at a glance
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 E, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where E is a comfortable tonal centre.
| Notes | E F♯ G♯ A B C D |
|---|---|
| Formula | 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5P · 6m · 7m |
| Step pattern | W W H W H W W |
| Chords in the key | EF♯°G♯°AmBmC+D |
Chords in the E Hindu scale
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
E Hindu on the piano
Improvisation drone · E
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
On the piano E Hindu uses two black keys (F♯ and G♯) and five white.
E · F♯ · G♯ · A · B · C · D
Play E Hindu on the online piano
Free, in your browser: play with the mouse, your computer keyboard or a USB MIDI keyboard. No sign-up.
E Hindu on the guitar
E Hindu - fr 0–12
E Hindu on the staff
Notes of the E Hindu scale
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E | unison1P | 0 | |
| 2 | F♯ | major 2nd2M | 2 | |
| 3 | G♯ | major 3rd3M | 4 | |
| 4 | A | perfect 4th4P | 5 | |
| 5 | B | perfect 5th5P | 7 | |
| 6 | C | minor 6th6m | 8 | |
| 7 | D | minor 7th7m | 10 |
What makes E Hindu different
The Hindu scale, also called Mixolydian ♭6 or Aeolian dominant, is Mixolydian with a lowered sixth, the one note separating the two. Its lower half (1, 2, 3, 4) is major and its upper half (5, ♭6, ♭7, 8) is natural minor, so it starts bright and ends dark. It's the fifth mode of melodic minor and shares its notes with the melodic minor scale a perfect fourth above its root. The tonic is major while both the iv and v chords are minor. On E, E Hindu has C where E Mixolydian has C♯; every other note is shared with E Mixolydian (E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D).
How to use the E Hindu scale
The diatonic chords of E Hindu are: I = E, ii° = F♯°, iii° = G♯°, iv = Am, v = Bm, VI+ = C+, VII = D. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in E Hindu. Each one in the chord table on this page opens its own 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.
Formula & step pattern
The E 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.
Where you will hear E Hindu
Start with the music described above: listen for E Hindu in it and transcribe a few short phrases by ear. It's the quickest way to learn how the scale sounds.
Questions people ask
What notes are in the E Hindu scale?
The E Hindu scale contains E, F♯, G♯, A, B, C and D.
What is the formula for the E Hindu scale?
E Hindu follows Mixolydian with a flat sixth (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7) — also the fifth mode of melodic minor.
Is E Hindu a major or minor scale?
E 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 E Hindu scale?
The diatonic chords of E Hindu are E, F♯°, G♯°, Am, Bm, C+, D.
Which genres use E 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 you play the E Hindu scale on the piano?
On the piano E Hindu uses two black keys (F♯ and G♯) and five white.
What is the difference between E Hindu and E Mixolydian?
On E, E Hindu has C where E Mixolydian has C♯; every other note is shared with E Mixolydian (E F♯ G♯ A B C♯ D).
How do I practise the E 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.