Explore scales · Bass
A gypsy minor scale on bass guitar
A gypsy minor runs A, B, C, E♭, E, F, G♯. Its Box 1 root on string 4, fret 5 keeps the scale low and centered.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the A gypsy minor scale on bass?
A gypsy minor in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 0 and the G string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2, 3 | E♭, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
A gypsy minor in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 5 and the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 7, 8 | A, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 6, 7, 8 | E♭, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 8 | C, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
A gypsy minor in box 3 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 10 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the D string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9, 10 | E♭, E, F |
Box 4 · frets 11–14
A gypsy minor in box 4 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the A string at fret 12 and the G string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 13 | E♭, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 14 | G♯, A, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | E♭, E |
| 1 (G) | 13, 14 | G♯, A |
Why it sounds like that
A gypsy minor raises the fourth of A harmonic minor to E♭, creating a ♭5 and an augmented second between C and E♭. The scale keeps the major seventh G♯ for a strong pull back to A. Compare it with A harmonic minor to hear the difference.
When to use it
Use A gypsy minor over A minor and A 5th chords for a dark, exotic color. The ♭5 E♭ works over B 7th flat 5, and the major seventh G♯ fits C augmented. It suits Eastern European and Middle Eastern styles.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 5, covering frets 0–3 and setting up Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in A gypsy minor?
The notes are A, B, C, E♭, E, F, G♯. It has a ♭3, ♭5, and major 7. The ♭5 creates an augmented second with the ♭3.
Which chords fit A gypsy minor?
A minor and A 5th are the tonic chords. B 7th flat 5 uses the ♭5, and C augmented uses the ♭3 and ♯5. The major 7 G♯ fits A♭ major and A♭ minor.
How does A gypsy minor differ from A harmonic minor?
A gypsy minor raises the fourth degree to E♭. This creates a ♭5 and an augmented second between C and E♭. The rest of the scale matches A harmonic minor.