ቅኝት · Qenet

The qenet

Most Ethiopian melodies are built on one of four pentatonic modes, called qenet: Tizita, Bati, Ambassel and Anchihoye. Tizita and Bati each have a major and a minor form. Each one has five notes and its own mood. Tune a kirar to a qenet and every string is a right note.

• Tizita Major ትዝታ (ሜጀር)Warm remembrance, nostalgic warmth, uplifting reflection.1 · 2 · 3 · 5 · 6 · 8
• Tizita Minor ትዝታ (ማይነር)Deep melancholy, longing for distant homes.1 · 2 · ♭3 · 5 · ♭6 · 8
• Bati Major ባቲ (ሜጀር)Romantic, lyrical folk melody from Wollo.1 · 3 · 4 · 5 · 7 · 8
• Bati Minor ባቲ (ማይነር)Soulful blues-inflected tension, mystical ballads at dusk.1 · ♭3 · 4 · 5 · ♭7 · 8
• Ambassel አምባሰልMeditative, heroic mountain ballad. Noble and spacious.1 · ♭2 · 4 · 5 · ♭6 · 8
• Anchihoye አንቺሆዬPassionate, bittersweet celebrations and wedding hymns.1 · ♭2 · 4 · ♭5 · 6 · 8