What is the Jewish scale?

The “Jewish scale” refers to a musical scale associated with Jewish music, particularly traditional Jewish music and Hebrew melodies. It is often used in klezmer music, synagogue music, and other Jewish cultural contexts.

The Jewish scale, also known as the Ahava Rabbah scale or the Freygish scale, is a heptatonic (seven-note) scale. It can be understood as a mode or variant of the harmonic minor scale. The scale is typically described as having the following intervals:

Root – Half Step – Whole Step – Whole Step – Half Step – Whole Step – Whole Step

Using the key of C as an example, the Jewish scale would consist of the notes:

C – Db – E – F – G – Ab – B – C

This scale has a distinctive Eastern or Middle Eastern sound and evokes a particular flavor and character associated with Jewish music. It has been used to create melodies that are commonly heard in traditional Jewish songs, liturgical music, and klezmer music.

It’s important to note that Jewish music encompasses a wide variety of styles and traditions, and the Jewish scale is just one of the many scales and melodic frameworks found in Jewish musical heritage. Different Jewish communities and regions may have their own unique scales and melodic characteristics that contribute to the rich diversity of Jewish music.