| Melodic Modes | | Print | |
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Video demonstration of maqâmât by Jihad Racy
Melodic modes (maqâmât) are often understood in terms of scalar units such as tetrachords (set of 4 notes) that constitute the nucleus of the expanded modes (usually spanning two octaves). The following are five representative maqâmât. Traditionally Râst and Nahawand rest on C, while Bayyâti, Hijâz, and Sabâ rest on D. Râst Râst means "straight" or "right" in Persian. It is similar to the major scale but with the 3rd and 7th degrees flattened by roughly a 1/4 tone (note the half flat markings). While descending the 7th degree is usually fully flattened:
Nahawand Nahawand is similar to the harmonic minor scale during ascending and to the natural minor scale during descending:
Bayyâtî Bayyati uses D as its tonic with the 2nd and 6th degrees flattened by, roughly, a 1/4 tone. While descending the 6th degree is usually fully flattened:
Hijâz Hijâz uses D as tonic. During descending the 6th degree is usually fully flattened:
Sabâ The word Sabâ refers to the easterly breeze and the mode is often associated with a feeling of sadness. Notice that the mode does not include the octave interval:
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