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B gypsy major scale on bass guitar
B gypsy major uses B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, A♯. Box 1 keeps the root at string 3, fret 2 for an open-position start.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the B gypsy major scale on bass?
B gypsy major 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 3. The root falls on the A string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2, 3 | A♯, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 1, 2 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 3 | G, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
B gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F♯ on the E string at fret 2 up to C on the G string at fret 5. The root falls on the A string at fret 2 and the G string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3 | B, C |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4, 5 | A♯, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 7–10
B gypsy major 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 E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the E string at fret 7 and the D string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8 | B, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9, 10 | E, F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9, 10 | A♯, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 9 | D♯, E |
Box 4 · frets 11–14
B gypsy major in box 4 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 9 notes across 4 strings, from D♯ on the E string at fret 11 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the A string at fret 14.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 12, 14 | D♯, E, F♯ |
| 3 (A) | 13, 14 | A♯, B |
| 2 (D) | 13, 14 | D♯, E |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
B gypsy major is formed from B phrygian dominant by raising the seventh degree A to A♯. This introduces a leading tone and an augmented second between G and A♯. Compare with B phrygian dominant to hear the change. The intervals are 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7.
When to use it
B gypsy major works over B major or B 5th chords. It suits aggressive styles like metal and progressive rock. Use it with B major or B 5th for a dark, exotic sound.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root is on string 3, fret 2, and the pattern stays within frets 0–3. It is ideal for low-register lines and connects to Box 2 at fret 3.
Common questions
What notes are in B gypsy major?
The notes are B, C, D♯, E, F♯, G, and A♯. The scale has a flat second, major third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, flat sixth, and major seventh. It is also called Byzantine.
Which chords fit B gypsy major?
The tonic chord is B major or B 5th. The fifth degree chord is F♯ 7th flat 5. Use it over dominant progressions in B.
How is B gypsy major different from B phrygian dominant?
B gypsy major has a major seventh, A♯, while B phrygian dominant has a minor seventh, A. That single change gives a stronger pull to the tonic. The rest of the notes are identical.