Some "non-Western" Musical Scales (using western instruments)

The spacing between adjacent notes on the chromatic scale is referred to as a half step. The number of half steps between adjacent notes for the following scales are:

• Gypsy or Hungarian Minor: 2-1-3-1-1-3-1 (example: C D Eb F# G Ab B C)
• Spanish Gypsy Scale: 1-3-1-2-1-2-2 (example: A Bb C# D E F G A)

These examples are, of course, approximations to the actual scales used by performers. They are the closest one can expect using a keyboard and the equal tempered scale.

A good source for many additional scales is in the translation of Helmholtz's book.

If you are unfamiliar with a keyboard, refer to this figure:

Questions/Comments to: suits@mtu.edu