Middle Eastern piano scales, or maqams, introduce new sounds and techniques for pianists. They include quarter tones and unique melodic progressions, offering a break from Western music structures. Here’s why learning maqams matters and what you need to know:
-
Why Learn Maqams?
- Improve ear training with microtones.
- Develop improvisation skills.
- Explore new melodic and rhythmic patterns.
-
Key Features of Maqams:
- Use intervals smaller than half steps (quarter tones).
- Combine ascending and descending patterns.
- Focus on emotional and melodic flow.
-
4 Main Scales to Start With:
- Hijaz: Dramatic and mysterious.
- Bayati: Gentle and melancholic.
- Rast: Similar to the major scale with subtle differences.
- Saba: Haunting and expressive.
Even though pianos can’t produce true quarter tones, you can approximate them with creative techniques like grace notes and ornaments. Adding these scales to your practice will expand your musical range and understanding of global music traditions.
6 Mini Scales That Create Maqam Music
Maqam Structure and Elements
Delving into the structure of maqams gives pianists a clearer understanding of their distinct musical qualities. Building on earlier basics, this section explores how maqam structures influence performance techniques.
Maqam Fundamentals
Maqams are more than just their basic ajnas (building blocks) – they also include unique interval patterns and melodic shapes. The lower jins defines the scale’s character, while the upper jins completes the structure, often creating patterns that stretch beyond a single octave.
These scales also have distinct ascending and descending patterns, creating melodic journeys that differ greatly from Western music traditions.
Maqams vs Western Scales
Unlike Western scales, which maintain consistent intervals across all keys, maqams introduce subtle variations that shape their unique sound. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Western Scales | Maqams |
|---|---|---|
| Intervals | Fixed half and whole steps | Variable intervals, including quarter tones |
| Scale Structure | Same ascending and descending | Can differ when ascending versus descending |
| Modulation | Changes entire key | Shifts between related ajnas |
| Emotional Character | Major/minor mood associations | Unique emotional and cultural expressions |
On a piano, quarter tones are approximated by using neighboring keys to suggest the microtonal intervals. While this doesn’t replicate the exact pitches of traditional Middle Eastern instruments, it allows pianists to explore maqams within the limits of equal temperament tuning.
The focus in maqams is on the melodic flow and emotional depth created by the interplay of ajnas, rather than strictly adhering to fixed intervals.
Key areas for pianists to concentrate on:
- Melodic patterns specific to each maqam
- Approximating and recognizing quarter tones
- Navigating modal progressions between ajnas
- Using ornamental techniques to hint at microtonal movements
Grasping these elements is essential for developing performance skills suited to Middle Eastern maqams.
4 Main Middle Eastern Scales
Building on the maqam structure, let’s delve into four key Middle Eastern scales. These scales highlight the maqam principles discussed earlier and bring unique technical and emotional qualities to the music.
The Hijaz Scale
The Hijaz scale is one of the most familiar Middle Eastern scales to Western listeners. Its defining feature is the augmented second interval between the second and third degrees. Here’s an approximation starting on D:
| Scale Degree | Note | Interval from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | D | – |
| 2nd | E♭ | Half step |
| 3rd | F♯ | Augmented second |
| 4th | G | Half step |
| 5th | A | Whole step |
| 6th | B♭ | Half step |
| 7th | C | Whole step |
| 8th | D | Whole step |
This scale creates a dramatic and mysterious sound, often evoking imagery of vast desert landscapes and spiritual reflection.
The Bayati Scale
The Bayati scale is widely used in Arabic music. On the piano, starting from D, the lower tetrachord includes D (root), E♭ (half-flat second), F (natural third), and G (perfect fourth). The upper section continues with A, B♭, C, and D. This scale has a gentle, melancholic tone that forms the backbone of many Middle Eastern compositions.
The Rast Scale
The Rast scale is central to Middle Eastern music and resembles the Western major scale, though it incorporates subtle microtonal shifts. On the piano, where microtonal adjustments aren’t possible, you can approximate Rast starting from C:
- C (root)
- D
- E
- F
- G
- A
- B
- C
Although traditional performances of Rast involve nuanced tuning adjustments, using the C major scale on a piano provides a practical way to explore its basic structure.
The Saba Scale
The Saba scale presents challenges for fixed-pitch instruments but offers a haunting and expressive sound. Starting from D, its structure typically includes:
- D – Root note
- E♭ – Minor second
- F – Minor third
- G♭ – Diminished fourth
- A – Perfect fifth
- B♭ – Minor sixth
- C – Minor seventh
Each of these scales requires careful attention to articulation and ornamentation to bring out their unique character. While the fixed pitch of a piano limits the ability to capture subtle microtonal variations, experimenting with these scales can lead to exciting new musical ideas.
sbb-itb-b8bc1ab
Playing Techniques for Middle Eastern Scales
On a fixed-pitch piano, you can approximate microtones by using a few creative approaches:
- Add grace notes between the main scale degrees.
- Use neighboring tones to mimic sliding between pitches.
- Rapidly alternate between adjacent notes to give the impression of microtones.
When working with scales like Hijaz or Bayati, focus on the unique intervals that define their sound. Build on this by incorporating specific ornamental techniques.
Scale Ornaments and Decorations
Ornaments play a key role in capturing the essence of Middle Eastern music. Some essential techniques include:
- Mordents: Quick alternations between a main note and its upper or lower neighbor.
- Slides: Fast transitions that connect key tones smoothly.
- Trills: Repeated alternations between two notes, which can vary in speed and intensity.
Start practicing these slowly, then gradually increase speed as your precision improves.
Middle Eastern Rhythm Basics
Rhythm is just as important as melody in Maqam performance. Here are some common rhythmic patterns:
| Pattern Name | Time Signature | Basic Count |
|---|---|---|
| Maqsum | 4/4 | DUM tek DUM tek |
| Samai | 10/8 | DUM tek tek DUM tek |
| Baladi | 4/4 | DUM DUM tek tek |
To keep the ornamental passages clear while maintaining the rich resonance of Middle Eastern music, use the sustain pedal sparingly. This ensures clarity without losing the characteristic sound.
Adding Middle Eastern Scales to Your Practice
Once you’ve honed your ornamentation and rhythmic abilities, it’s time to incorporate these techniques into your daily routine.
Daily Maqam Exercises
Start your practice by focusing on one maqam as a warm-up. Move on to transitioning between different maqams to get comfortable with their subtle interval changes. Wrap up by creating short melodic improvisations. This structured routine helps you build a strong foundation in maqam techniques and smooth transitions.
Steps for Maqam Improvisation
After getting comfortable with these exercises, dive into improvisation. Begin by establishing a tonal center, then experiment with simple phrases and rhythmic patterns. Gradually expand your ideas as you become more familiar with the maqam’s unique characteristics.
For high-quality instruments to aid your practice, Cooper Piano, a trusted name for over a century, provides excellent options to enhance your musical journey.
Summary and Next Steps
This section focuses on how to put the techniques and concepts of Middle Eastern scales into practice. Developing proficiency in these scales requires consistent effort and expert guidance. The intricate quarter tones and ornaments call for both technical accuracy and artistic expression.
Here are a few practical tips to integrate maqams into your routine:
- Dedicate 20–30 minutes daily to focused practice
- Work with an instructor who specializes in Middle Eastern music
- Regularly check and adjust your instrument’s tuning to ensure precise performance
By following these steps, you can steadily improve your maqam skills. Remember the earlier discussions on the importance of ornamentation and accurately capturing microtones.
"If you want timely, courteous, professional people to move your piano without damaging it, Cooper is the only way to go. Every time we move we continue to receive the same consistent experience." – Matt Garlick (Plurpp)
For those diving deeper into Middle Eastern music, Cooper Piano offers expert lessons and specialized tuning services. Located at 1610 Northeast Expy NE in Atlanta, GA, they are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. With over a century of experience in piano services, Cooper Piano is a trusted partner for musicians exploring these intricate scales.
With dedication and the right guidance, you’ll gain the skills needed to perform this rich musical tradition with confidence and authenticity.