Klezmer Scale
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: