Algerian scale
The Algerian Scale is a scale frequently used in Algerian music. The frequent use of 1.5 steps (a minor 3rd) in the scale contributes to a sound commonly associated with Moorish music.
It is also defined as an eleven note scale with two augmented seconds. Jacques Ibert first used this definition in Escales (1924).[3]
In India's Carnatic music, this corresponds to Simhendramadhyamam.
Scale formula
In step notation:
- W, H, WH, H, H, WH, H
- W = Whole step
- H = Half step
- WH = Whole-and-a-half step
or in decimals:
- 1 step + 0.5 step + 1.5 step + 0.5 step + 0.5 step + 1.5 step + 0.5 step.
This formula gives the first octave only. In the second octave, the third step is 1 rather than 1.5, followed by a step of 1 rather than 0.5. This may be seen in images to the right. In the one on the bottom (with the three-octave spanning scale, Fischer 1996), the lower octave shows an F♯ while the upper octave shows an F natural.
This can also be notated as degrees in relation to the root note:
- First octave: 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 ♭6 7 8
- Second octave: 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7 8
It can also be thought of as Harmonic Minor with a raised 4 in the first octave.
Sources
- ^ Middlebrook, Ron (1984). Scales and Modes in the Beginning, p.125. ISBN 0-89898-151-4.
- ^ Fischer, Peter (1996). Rock Guitar Secrets, p.160. Mel Bay Publications. ISBN 3-927190-62-4, ISBN 978-3-927190-62-7.
- ^ Robert Fink, Robert Ricci (1975). The Language of Twentieth Century Music: A Dictionary of Terms, p.3. Schirmer Books. ISBN 0-02-870600-5, ISBN 978-0-02-870600-9.