F Hindu scale
The F Hindu scale is a 7-note hindu scale built on the root F. Its notes are F, G, A, B♭, C, D♭ and E♭. 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 F 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 F, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where F is a comfortable tonal centre.
F Hindu on the piano
F Hindu on the guitar
F Hindu on the staff
Hear the F Hindu scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the F Hindu scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | F |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | G |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | A |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | B♭(Bb) |
| 5 | 5P | 7 | C |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | D♭(Db) |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | E♭(Eb) |
Diatonic chords of F 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 F Hindu scale
The diatonic chords of F Hindu are: I = F, ii° = G°, iii° = A°, iv = B♭m, v = Cm, VI+ = D♭+, VII = E♭. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in F 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.
Famous songs
F 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.
Scales related to F Hindu
Once you are comfortable with F Hindu, explore related scales to expand your vocabulary. The scales below share notes, modes or tonal centres with F Hindu and are a natural next step in your study.
Formula & step pattern
The F 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.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the F Hindu scale?
What is the formula for the F Hindu scale?
Is F Hindu a major or minor scale?
What chords belong to the F Hindu scale?
Which genres use F Hindu?
How do I practise the F Hindu scale?
Take F Hindu into your music
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