G Persian at a glance
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 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 | H W+H H H W W+H H |
| Chords in the key | G(♭5)A♭B–D♭–F♯CmD♭–F♯–A♭E♭+F♯–A♭–C |
Chords in the G Persian scale
These are the chords that naturally form on each degree of the scale. Click a chord to open its dedicated page.
G Persian on the piano
Improvisation drone · G
Loop the root note as a pad to practice improvising over this scale.
On the piano G Persian uses four black keys (A♭, D♭, E♭ and F♯) and three white.
G · A♭ · B · C · D♭ · E♭ · F♯
Play G Persian on the online piano
Free, in your browser: play with the mouse, your computer keyboard or a USB MIDI keyboard. No sign-up.
G Persian on the guitar
G Persian - fr 0–12
G Persian on the staff
Notes of the G Persian scale
| Degree | Note | Interval | Semitones | Hear |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | G | unison1P | 0 | |
| 2 | A♭ | minor 2nd2m | 1 | |
| 3 | B | major 3rd3M | 4 | |
| 4 | C | perfect 4th4P | 5 | |
| 5 | D♭ | diminished 5th5d | 6 | |
| 6 | E♭ | minor 6th6m | 8 | |
| 7 | F♯ | major 7th7M | 11 |
What makes G Persian different
The Persian scale (1, ♭2, 3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, 7) differs from double harmonic, listed here as Gypsy major, only in its fifth, which is lowered. It keeps both augmented seconds, ♭2 to 3 and ♭6 to 7, and without a perfect fifth over the tonic it sounds less settled than Phrygian dominant. Its half steps come in clusters: 3, 4, ♭5 is a chromatic run, and 7, 1, ♭2 wraps around the tonic. Tight clusters next to wide gaps are what make it sound ornamented rather than modal. On G, G Persian has D♭ where G Gypsy Major has D; every other note is shared with G Gypsy Major (G A♭ B C D E♭ F♯).
How to use the G Persian scale
The diatonic chords of G Persian are: I♭5 = G(♭5), II = A♭, III = B–D♭–F♯, iv = Cm, V = D♭–F♯–A♭, VI+ = E♭+, VII = F♯–A♭–C. These seven chords belong naturally to the key and are the safest harmonic vocabulary when writing songs in G Persian. Each one in the chord table on this page opens its own 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 (♭2 to 3 and ♭6 to 7) as expressive ornaments rather than stepwise notes. Slow chromatic ornamentation around them sells the Persian sound.
Formula & step pattern
The G 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.
Where you will hear G Persian
Start with the music described above: listen for G Persian 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 G Persian scale?
The G Persian scale contains G, A♭, B, C, D♭, E♭ and F♯.
What is the formula for the G Persian scale?
G Persian follows two augmented seconds and a flat second produce a distinctly Middle-Eastern colour (1, ♭2, 3, 4, ♭5, ♭6, 7).
Is G Persian a major or minor scale?
G Persian is a persian scale. Two augmented seconds and a flat second — distinctly Middle-Eastern, dramatic and ornamented.
What chords belong to the G Persian scale?
The diatonic chords of G Persian are G(♭5), A♭, B–D♭–F♯, Cm, D♭–F♯–A♭, E♭+, F♯–A♭–C.
Which genres use G 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 you play the G Persian scale on the piano?
On the piano G Persian uses four black keys (A♭, D♭, E♭ and F♯) and three white.
What is the difference between G Persian and G Gypsy Major?
On G, G Persian has D♭ where G Gypsy Major has D; every other note is shared with G Gypsy Major (G A♭ B C D E♭ F♯).
How do I practise the G Persian scale?
Lean into the two augmented seconds (♭2 to 3 and ♭6 to 7) as expressive ornaments rather than stepwise notes. Slow chromatic ornamentation around them sells the Persian sound.