Overview

In this lesson, we’ll explore the Freygish scale (a mode of the D harmonic minor scale) starting on A, often called the Klezmer scale. This scale features a distinct sound due to its minor second, major third, and natural seventh, making it ideal for traditional Jewish and Klezmer music. We’ll practice the scale on the fiddle using a simple fingering pattern and incorporate slides to bring out its unique, soulful character. 🎻


Warm-up

We’ll prepare with D Major scale.

D Major


Let’s learn

Now let’s practice the first half the klezmer scale. We’ll lower the 2nd step of the major scale from D1 to DL1.

  • D0-L1-2-3

Now do it up and down.

  • D0-L1-2-3-3-2-L1-0

Now let’s do the upper half. We’ll lower the 6th step of the major scale from A1 to AL1, and the 7th step from A2 to AL2.

  • A0-L1-L2-3

Upper half up and down.

  • A0-L1-L2-3-3-L2-L1-0

Now practice the full D Klezmer scale. This is made from the D Major Scale. We lower the second, sixth and seventh steps by a half step.

D0-L1-2-3-A0-L1-L2-3

Once you memorize this, then try one of these tunes:


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