Chad Gadyo

The Chad Gadyo Scale is a Minor Pentatonic scale. This scale is also known as Ghana Minor and the Arbian Minor. It differs from the Natural Minor Scale in that it’s sixth and seventh notes are omitted.

This is a scale which is the basis for a traditional Jewish Song called Chad Gadyo from which the name derives. This phrase means “little goat” in Yiddish

Derived in Africa independent of it’s existence within the Jewish tradition, the Ghana Minor scale forms an important part of the vibrant music of Ghana.

You can think of this scale as an interesting variation of a Minor Pentatonic and use it in all the same places.

Listen for the very minor, Jewish aspect of this scale.