Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A wireless device may monitor for a transmission of a synchronization signal block that includes a first portion generated using a first waveform type and a second portion using a second waveform type that is different than the first waveform type. The wireless device may detect the first portion of the synchronization signal block based on the first waveform type used for the first portion. After detecting the first portion of the synchronization signal block, the wireless device may process the second portion of the synchronization signal block based on information obtained from the first portion of the synchronization signal block. The information obtained from the first portion of the synchronization signal block may include timing information, frequency information, or both.