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