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