STRINGSCALES

F persian Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F, Gb, A, Bb, Cb, Db, E at frets 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12

A string: A, Bb, Cb, Db, E, F, Gb, A at frets 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 12

D string: E, F, Gb, A, Bb, Cb, Db at frets 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 11

G string: A, Bb, Cb, Db, E, F, Gb at frets 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 11

B string: Cb, Db, E, F, Gb, A, Bb, Cb at frets 0, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12

High E string: E, F, Gb, A, Bb, Cb, Db, E at frets 0, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12

Pick a root note

Pick a scale

F persian

The persian scale is the double harmonic major scale with a flattened 5th: root, flat 2nd, major 3rd, 4th, flat 5th, flat 6th, major 7th. Three half-step pairs and no perfect 5th make it one of the most tension-saturated named scales. Over a drone it produces an unmistakably Middle Eastern lament; elsewhere use it in small doses.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

F

I

Fmaj♭5
G♭

bII

G♭maj
A

III

Asus2
B♭

iv

B♭m
C♭

bV

C♭sus4
D♭

bVI+

D♭aug
E

VII

G♭7no5/E

Same notes, different mode

F persian uses the same notes as the scales below. Start from a different note and you get a new mode built on the very same note set.

Bb todi raga

persian in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Three half-step pairs and no perfect 5th: phrase F persian over a root drone, resolving bII (Gb) to root and VII to root from both sides.
  • The b5 (B) stands where the anchor should be; approach it from the major 3rd (A) below to keep lines singable.
  • Use it in small doses over a metal or cinematic pedal tone; a single ascending run is often more effective than a full solo.
  • Ornament like an oud player: trill between bII (Gb) and root, slide III to 4th (Bb), and let notes decay into the drone.

How to play F persian on guitar

Roots start at fret 1 on both E strings, one fret up from the nut, so box one begins right there and the next shape takes over at fret 5. Four open strings belong to the scale, but they supply the major seventh, major third and diminished fifth rather than a tonal centre, meaning they suit passing colour. A capo at fret 1 gives the E fingering. Bbm sits at the iv, and the A string root at fret 8 anchors the a-shape barre.

homeall scalesaboutfaqpricingmicrotonalterms & conditionsprivacy policycookie policy© 2026 StringScales. All rights reserved.