Discover the Hijaz scale and its use on the Handpan
The world of music is full of secrets, and one of these treasures is the Hijaz scale. This unique scale, named after the Arabic-Turkish maqam Hijaz, transports you to the magic of the Orient. Imagine the caravan moving through the desert in old oriental films - that's exactly what the Hijaz scale sounds like. In this blog article, you will explore the secrets of this scale and how it is brought to life on the handpan.
The structure of the Hijaz scale
The Hijaz scale is characterized by its unique sequence of notes. It begins with a minor second that separates the root note (tonal center) from the next note, similar to the Phrygian scale. But then comes something special: A minor third, consisting of three semitones or semitones, transforms the third note into a major third. This gives the scale its characteristic "Phrygian dominant" sound. Another way to explain the Hijaz scale is to think of it as a harmonic minor scale starting from the fifth note of the scale.
To illustrate this, let's take a look at the G minor harmonic scale:
G minor harmonic: G - A - Bb - C - D - Eb - F# - G
If we play this scale from the fifth note (D) onwards, we get the D Hijaz scale: D - Eb - F# - G - A - Bb - C - D.
The Hijaz scale on the handpan
In the world of the handpan, there are various approaches to transferring the Hijaz scale to this unique instrument. One of the most common methods is the following:
The root note, often referred to as the "DING", is the starting point of the scale. From the DING, the first note leads to a fifth and then to a minor third. The third note is an octave above the DING. From here, the scale continues in whole tone steps up to the ninth tone, which in turn forms a fifth to the third tone (an octave plus a fifth above the DING).
Applications of the Hijaz scale
The Hijaz scale is often used to give your music an oriental touch. Its exotic sounds create a unique atmosphere that transports the listener to distant worlds. It is also used in flamenco music as well as in numerous Turkish and Arabic art and folk music styles. In jazz, this mode is referred to as HMV, which stands for "harmonic minor of the Vth degree".
Conclusion
The Hijaz scale is a fascinating musical element that brings the magic of the Orient into the world of music. Its unique structure and its use on the handpan make it a treasure for musicians looking for new sounds and cultural influences. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the Hijaz scale and discover the endless possibilities it holds for your music.