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A hungarian gypsy scale on bass guitar
A Hungarian Gypsy scale contains A, B, C, D♯, E, F, G. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 5 and string 1, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the A hungarian gypsy scale on bass?
A hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 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, 3 | E, F, G |
| 3 (A) | 0, 2, 3 | A, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2, 3 | D♯, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 0, 2 | G, A |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
A hungarian gypsy in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 8 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 5 | G, A |
| 3 (A) | 3, 6 | C, D♯ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
A hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 10 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D♯ 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 | D♯, E, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7 | G, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 8 | C, D♯ |
Box 4 · frets 7–10
A hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 11 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, 10 | E, F, G |
| 2 (D) | 7, 9, 10 | A, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9, 10 | D♯, E, F |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
A hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ 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 | D♯, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 12, 14 | A, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 12, 14 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
A Hungarian Gypsy scale is A natural minor with the fourth degree raised from D to D♯. Compare it to A natural minor. The raised fourth creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.
When to use it
A Hungarian Gypsy scale fits A minor and A 5th chords. Use it in A minor progressions that include E major or E7. The raised fourth suits Eastern European folk and fusion lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 4, fret 5, and the pattern covers frets 0–3. This box keeps the D♯ within reach on string 3, fret 6.
Common questions
What notes are in A Hungarian Gypsy scale?
A Hungarian Gypsy scale contains A, B, C, D♯, E, F, and G. The degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. The ♯4 is the characteristic raised fourth.
Which chords does A Hungarian Gypsy scale fit?
A Hungarian Gypsy scale fits A minor and A 5th chords. The ♯4 (D♯) can also outline an E major or E7 chord. Use it over progressions in A minor that include E major.
Is A Hungarian Gypsy scale the same as A natural minor?
A Hungarian Gypsy scale differs from A natural minor by one note: the fourth degree is raised from D to D♯. This creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.