How to Play the B Major Byzantine Scale on the Guitar

Ever come across the B Major Byzantine scale and wonder how it could add a bit of exotic flair to your guitar playing? This unique scale can spice up your solos and riffs, especially if you’re diving into metal genres that thrive on technicality and exploration. Today, we’re going to break down how you can incorporate the B Major Byzantine scale into your playing, making your compositions stand out in the best possible way.

What Makes the B Major Byzantine Scale Unique?

The B Major Byzantine scale is essentially an exotic scale with a distinct sound that separates it from more standard scales like the major or minor scales. It’s characterized by its unusual intervals, giving it a mysterious, almost Eastern sound. If you’re familiar with the harmonic minor scale, the Byzantine scale will feel somewhat familiar, but with its own twist.

Here’s the scale formula for the B Major Byzantine: 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7. In terms of notes, this translates to B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, A♯ for the B Major Byzantine scale.

What sets this apart is the combination of the ♭2 and ♭6, which lends it a slightly dissonant, yet captivating sound. This scale can inject some fresh life into your metal riffs and solos, offering a dramatic flair that grabs attention.

Fingering the B Major Byzantine Scale

Getting your fingers comfortable with this scale is the first step. Let’s map out a typical fingering pattern on the neck. This is one way to play the B Major Byzantine scale starting from the 7th fret of the low E string:

e|-----------------------6-7-|
B|-------------------6-7-----|
G|-------------5-8-----------|
D|---------6-7---------------|
A|---6-7-9-------------------|
E|-7-------------------------|

This fingering pattern is just a starting point. Don’t hesitate to shift it around the neck or try different fingerings to find what feels most natural for your playing style.

Incorporating the Scale into Metal Riffs

Now that you have the scale under your fingers, let’s talk about application. The B Major Byzantine scale can add a compelling edge to metal riffs, especially when you’re looking to break out of the pentatonic or minor scale mold. Here’s a simple pattern you can use to create a riff:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|------------------------|
D|------------------------|
A|---6-7-9-7-6------------|
E|-7-------------7--------|

Try playing this with tight, palm-muted picking to give it that chunky metal sound. You can also experiment with adding slides or hammer-ons and pull-offs to make the riff more dynamic.

Spicing Up Solos with the Byzantine Scale

When it comes to solos, the Byzantine scale offers a palette of sounds that can set your lead work apart. Try incorporating it in a solo by using the scale to build tension and then resolving to more familiar notes to release it. Here’s a lick to get you started:

e|-------------------6-7-|
B|---------------6-7-----|
G|-----------5-8---------|
D|-------6-7-------------|
A|---6-7-----------------|
E|-7---------------------|

This lick leverages the scale’s unique intervals to create a sense of drama. Bending the final note or adding vibrato can emphasize the exotic feel further.

Exploring Different Positions

While the initial fingering pattern is great, exploring the scale across the fretboard will give you more flexibility. Try mapping out the scale across several octaves and positions. Here’s another position, starting from the 2nd fret:

e|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|-----------------1-2-4--|
D|-----------1-3-4--------|
A|---1-2-4----------------|
E|-2----------------------|

Practicing the scale in different positions helps build muscle memory and gives you more options when improvising or composing.

Combining with Other Scales

One way to make your playing more interesting is by combining the Byzantine scale with other scales. For instance, you can transition between the B Major Byzantine and B Harmonic Minor scales for a richer harmonic texture. Here’s a simple way to combine these:

Byzantine: B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, A♯
Harmonic Minor: B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A♯

Notice they share many common tones, but the slight differences can create unexpected twists in your music. Try switching between them within the same solo or riff for an interesting effect.

Riffhard: Your Companion in Metal Guitar Mastery

As you dive deeper into the universe of exotic scales and aggressive riffs, having a resource like Riffhard at your fingertips can be a game-changer. With lessons from top metal guitarists, you can refine your technique and incorporate sophisticated scales, like the Byzantine, more effectively into your playing.

One of our favorite features is the interactive player that lets you adjust the tempo, perfect for mastering those tricky sections of a scale or riff. Plus, the downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files mean you can practice anywhere, anytime.

Breaking Down a Sample Composition

Let’s put everything together into a short composition. Start with a riff that uses the B Major Byzantine scale, then transition into a solo that combines it with the B Harmonic Minor scale.

Here’s a simple structure:

• Intro Riff: Use the initial Byzantine riff we covered.
• Verse: Transition to a riff using power chords based on the scale (e.g., B, E, F♯).
• Chorus: Use the Byzantine scale with some slides and bends for a melodic lead.
• Solo: Start with the Byzantine scale, then shift to the Harmonic Minor for a dramatic finish.

This framework gives you a skeleton to build upon. Add your flavor and techniques to make it your own.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced guitarists can stumble when learning new scales. Here are a few common mistakes with the Byzantine scale and how to avoid them:

• Overusing the Scale: While the scale is exotic, overusing it can make your music sound predictable. Balance it with other scales and tones.
• Ignoring Other Techniques: The scale won’t shine if your technique isn’t up to par. Focus on clean picking and string muting to maintain clarity.
• Neglecting Dynamics: Dynamics are crucial in metal. Play with intensity to highlight the scale’s unique sounds.

Remember, practice with intention and attention to detail will always pay off.

Integrating the Scale into Your Style

Ultimately, the B Major Byzantine scale should enhance your style, not define it. Experiment with how it fits into your existing compositions. Perhaps it’s the missing piece in a song you’ve been working on, or maybe it just adds that exotic flair you’ve been searching for.

It’s also worth noting that at Riffhard, we offer a variety of lessons that can show you how to integrate exotic scales into your playing in a way that feels natural and exciting.

Final Thoughts

The B Major Byzantine scale is a fantastic way to bring an exotic element into your guitar playing, offering a unique sound that can make your music stand out. By practicing its fingering, integrating it into riffs and solos, and experimenting with different combinations, you can incorporate this scale into your style. At Riffhard, we provide lessons and resources to help you explore scales like this and master them with confidence. Happy shredding!