These scales are derived loosely from various ragas and maqaams that I've found on web sites claiming to be sources for exotic scales; sadly, many are merely long lists without any theoretical organization.

Some of these tone series are striking in their similarity to popular jazz scales. To avoid redundancy, I've not included every iteration I've stumbled upon; rather, this is a merging - or compression - of scalar information.

I've avoided major third intervals and sequences of over three consecutive chromatic tones, and I've broken every series down into seven modes, naming each in relation to Major, Melodic minor and Lydian.

Among these patterns lurk colorful sounds that can provide fresh ideas for composition and soloing. Difficult to harmonize, many work nicely over drones and five-chords. Click on any scale name on the right for a closer examination.

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