G Arabian scale
The G Arabian scale is a 7-note arabian scale built on the root G. Its notes are G, A, B, C, D♭, E♭ and F. Major upper tetrachord followed by a half-step descent through the lower tetrachord — open, expressive, often heard in Maqam-style melodies. This page covers the formula, fingerings, diatonic chords and common progressions that make G Arabian a great tool for improvising and composing.
Arabian shows up in Maqam-style melodies, Egyptian and Levantine pop, and Western film scoring after a sense of place. The half-steps in the upper tetrachord are its signature. Built on the root G, the scale takes on the specific colour and pitch range of that key - making it especially useful in genres and registers where G is a comfortable tonal centre.
- Notes
- G · A · B · C · D♭ · E♭ · F
- Formula
- 1P · 2M · 3M · 4P · 5d · 6m · 7m
- Step pattern
- W W H H W W W
- Tonic
- G
G Arabian on the piano
G Arabian on the guitar
G Arabian on the staff
Hear the G Arabian scale
Improvisation drone
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
Notes of the G Arabian scale
| Degree | Interval | Semitones | Note | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1P | 0 | G | |
| 2 | 2M | 2 | A | |
| 3 | 3M | 4 | B | |
| 4 | 4P | 5 | C | |
| 5 | 5d | 6 | D♭(Db) | |
| 6 | 6m | 8 | E♭(Eb) | |
| 7 | 7m | 10 | F |
Diatonic chords of G Arabian
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 G Arabian scale
The diatonic chords of G Arabian are: I = G, ii° = A°, III = B, iv = Cm, V+ = D♭+, VI+ = E♭+, VII = F. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G Arabian. Click any chord below to open its full diagram and progressions.
Arabian shows up in Maqam-style melodies, Egyptian and Levantine pop, and Western film scoring after a sense of place. The half-steps in the upper tetrachord are its signature.
Practice tips
Treat the half-steps in the upper tetrachord (♭5–♭6 and ♭6–♭7) as ornamental targets rather than passing notes — slow trills and slides between them sell the Arabian sound.
Where you will hear G Arabian
G Arabian appears throughout arabian shows up in maqam-style melodies, egyptian and levantine pop, and western film scoring after a sense of place. the half-steps in the upper tetrachord are its signature. Listening to music in this scale and transcribing short phrases is the fastest way to absorb its sound.
Formula & step pattern
The G Arabian scale follows intervals 1, 2, 3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7 — a major lower tetrachord followed by half steps walking down the upper tetrachord. Step pattern: W - W - H - H - W - W - W. 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 G Arabian scale?
- The G Arabian scale contains G, A, B, C, D♭, E♭ and F.
- What is the formula for the G Arabian scale?
- G Arabian follows intervals 1, 2, 3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, ♭7 — a major lower tetrachord followed by half steps walking down the upper tetrachord.
- Is G Arabian a major or minor scale?
- G Arabian is a arabian scale. Major upper tetrachord followed by a half-step descent through the lower tetrachord — open, expressive, often heard in Maqam-style melodies.
- What chords belong to the G Arabian scale?
- The diatonic chords of G Arabian are G, A°, B, Cm, D♭+, E♭+, F.
- Which genres use G Arabian?
- Arabian shows up in Maqam-style melodies, Egyptian and Levantine pop, and Western film scoring after a sense of place. The half-steps in the upper tetrachord are its signature.
- How do I practise the G Arabian scale?
- Treat the half-steps in the upper tetrachord (♭5–♭6 and ♭6–♭7) as ornamental targets rather than passing notes — slow trills and slides between them sell the Arabian sound.