Exploring Exotic Scales: Exploring Through Unique Sounds

There are countless scales to discover and each of them has its own feel and cultural background. In this post, we will dig into the world of exotic scales, revealing their unique features while also looking at how to use them in your production. By understanding the power of these scales, you can add depth and cultural richness to your music. 

1. Phrygian Dominant:

The Phrygian Dominant scale, with its spicy and exotic tonality, is common in Middle Eastern and Flamenco music. It is also popular in Spanish music

Phrygian Dominant scale:

Example: Pulp Fiction - Misirlou

This song can be found in the movie Pulp Fiction. The guitar riff and melody gives the Middle Eastern flavor and it creates the energy of the song.

2. Hungarian Minor:

Originating from Hungarian and Eastern European folk music, the Hungarian Minor scale offers a dramatic sound. Below is a picture of the scale. Use this scale in your compositions to evoke a sense of melancholy and intensity.

Hungarian minor scale:

Example: The Rains of Castamere - Game of Thrones

You can find this song from the television series Game of Thrones. The song is composed by Ramin Djawadi. It is a really powerful song capturing the dramatic atmosphere.

3. Whole-Tone:

The Whole-Tone scale is known for its dreamlike feel and sound. Often associated with impressionistic music, this scale can add a sense of mystery or even humor to your songs. Explore the possibilities of the Whole-Tone scale and let your creativity take flight.

Whole-Tone scale:

Example: Fleetwood Mac - Dreams

This iconic track ‘’Dreams’’ by Fleetwood Mac showcases the dreamlike qualities of the Whole-Tone scale. 

4. Byzantine:

Byzantine scale, also known as the Double harmonic scale, has roots in the traditions of Eastern Orthodox chants, this scale carries a haunting and spiritual essence.

Byzantine scale:

Example: Kashmir - Led Zeppelin

Kashmir by Led Zeppelin creates an epic sound using Byzantine scale. The main guitar riff, drums and orchestral sounds showcase the Byzantine scale.

5. Balinese Pelog:

This scale is from the traditional music of Bali. This scale offers exotic and mesmerizing tones. It consists of five notes making it a pentatonic scale. 

Balinese Pelog scale:

Example: Tabuh Telu Gesuri - Genitri NyakCak di Bantiran

This composition follows a structured form, first starting slow and then building up to an energetic feel. 

Conclusion:

Exploring these and many more exotic scales opens up a world of possibilities to expand your musical knowledge. Remember that these scales are just a tip of an iceberg. By using these unique scales into your compositions, you can add depth, cultural richness, and evoke specific emotions. Experiment with different exotic scales and let your creativity flow as you create amazing new melodies that transport your audience to new dimensions.