View source for Bayati

'''Bayati''' is a maqam that, like all other maqams, is a [[heptatonic]] scale. It contains neutral intervals and the standard version has step pattern LLmmLLs, making it a [[modmos]] which can be derived by chromatic alteration from either the diatonic or the [[mohajira]] scale. 

The term bayati is also used to refer to the variants (modulations) '''Bayati Shuri''' and '''Husseini.''' The latter has the same step structure (LLmmLmm) as the [[rast]] modmos, while the former includes an augmented second.

As a scale in the Western sense (and thus a scale pattern in xenharmonic theory), bayati may be called [[trachytonic]].

== In a harmonic context ==

While maqams are primarily a melodic art form, it is possible to adapt them to a harmonic context and there are several ways to do so depending on what tempering is used.

Bayati embeddings can be classified by the size of the tempered perfect fifth. On the very wide [[superpyth]] end of the spectrum, [[27edo]] gives a version that is 5533551. This embedding is very unusual because the [[minor second]] is actually smaller than a [[quartertone]], which would make it alien even within the context of Arab music; its [[major third]] is also decidedly [[interseptimal]] and thus has an odd effect.

The more moderate superpyth system [[17edo]] gives an interesting bayati embedding (3322331) that is excellent for harmony, providing an abundance of no-fives 13-limit chords; especially of interest is its diminished triad that closely matches 9:11:13. Melodically it is also close to optimal if you are going for expressive intonation.

The typical tuning for Arab music, however, is [[24edo]] and here the step pattern is 4433442.

A decidedly [[meantone]] tuning that could be used is [[31edo]] (step pattern 5544553). There is much less contrast between the interval sizes, however, which might result in a duller melodic effect.

[[10edo]] gives a "degenerate" bayati in which the chromatic alteration used to create it also merges two notes together, leading to 2211220 which gives a ''hexatonic'' scale.

== See also ==
* [[Trachytonic]]

== External links ==
* [http://www.maqamworld.com/maqamat/bayati.html Maqam World article]

[[Category:Bayati]]