Algerian scale explained

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).^[1]

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.

External links

• http://pianoscales.org/algerian.html

Notes and References

1. Robert Fink, Robert Ricci (1975). The Language of Twentieth Century Music: A Dictionary of Terms, p.3. Schirmer Books., .