The natural Diatonic Scale is composed from seven notes, and each note of the scale is named using the Greek letters.
The Notes
Greek: A Β Γ Δ Ε Ζ ΗGreek: ΠαΒου Γα Δι ΚεΖω ΝηEnglish: Pa Vou Ga Di Ke Zo Ni [Re Mi Fa Sol La Si Do] [D E F G A B C ]
First Mode, the Fourth Mode, the Plagal of the First Mode, and the Plagal of the Fourth Mode belong to the natural Diatonic Scale. The Diatonic Scale has three interval sizes: 12-10-8.
First Mode Ascending interval sizes:
10-8-12-12-10-8-12 Pa-Vou-Ga-Di-Ke-Zo-Ni'-Pa'
First Mode Descending interval sizes 12-12-6-12-12-8-10 Pa'-Ni'-Zo'-Ke-Di-Ga-Vou-Pa
There are 72 "comas" or micro steps in an octave, For example, a full tone is equal to 12 comas. The distance from Ga(F) to Di (G) is 12 comas. However, the distance from Pa(D) to Vou(E) is 10 comas. 10 comas = -33.33 cents. You may reproduce it using a modern synthesizer/keyboard which is capable in detuning the equal-tempered scale to Micro-Tones.
The natural Diatonic Scale "Pa/D" tuning :
A special signature (Martyria) is written to indicate the mode and starting pitch. Also, the modulation signs (Phthorai) are written to indicate the transition from one mode to another.
The First Mode scale
Illustrations:
Sign
Name
Value
Ison
no movement
Oligon
one step upward
Apostrophos
one step downward
Ephesis
half step downward
Martyria of the natural Diatonioc ScaleΠα:
Pthora of the natural Diatonioc Scale Πα:
The natural Diatonioc Scale in both Psaltic and staff notation: