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C hungarian gypsy scale on bass guitar
C Hungarian Gypsy scale contains C, D, E♭, F♯, G, A♭, B♭. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 3 and string 1, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the C hungarian gypsy scale on bass?
C hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 9 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 3 and the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3, 4 | F♯, G, A♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5 | C, D |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5 | F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 5 | B♭, C |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C hungarian gypsy in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A♭ on the E string at fret 4 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the G string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 6 | A♭, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 6 | D, E♭ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5, 6 | F♯, G, A♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
C hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 8 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the E string at fret 6 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the E string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 3 (A) | 6, 9 | E♭, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8 | A♭, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8 | D, E♭ |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
C hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 8 and the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10, 11 | C, D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10, 11 | F♯, G, A♭ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 1 (G) | 8, 11 | E♭, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
C hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 11 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the D string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11, 13 | G, A♭, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12, 13 | F♯, G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
C Hungarian Gypsy scale is C natural minor with the fourth degree raised from F to F♯. Compare it to C natural minor. The raised fourth creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.
When to use it
C Hungarian Gypsy scale fits C minor and C 5th chords. Use it in C minor progressions that include G major or G7. 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 3, and the pattern covers frets 2–5. This box keeps the F♯ within reach on string 2, fret 4.
Common questions
What notes are in C Hungarian Gypsy scale?
C Hungarian Gypsy scale contains C, D, E♭, F♯, G, A♭, and B♭. The degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. The ♯4 is the characteristic raised fourth.
Which chords does C Hungarian Gypsy scale fit?
C Hungarian Gypsy scale fits C minor and C 5th chords. The ♯4 (F♯) can also outline a G major or G7 chord. Use it over progressions in C minor that include G major.
Is C Hungarian Gypsy scale the same as C natural minor?
C Hungarian Gypsy scale differs from C natural minor by one note: the fourth degree is raised from F to F♯. This creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.