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C♯ gypsy major scale on bass guitar
C♯ gypsy major uses C♯, D, E♯, F♯, G♯, A, B♯. Box 1 starts the root at string 3, fret 4 for a low stretch.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the C♯ gypsy major scale on bass?
C♯ gypsy major 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 A on the G string at fret 2. The root falls on the A string at fret 4.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2, 4 | E♯, F♯, G♯ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 4 | B♯, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 4 | E♯, F♯ |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2 | G♯, A |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
C♯ gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G♯ on the E string at fret 4 up to D on the G string at fret 7. The root falls on the A string at fret 4 and the G string at fret 6.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5 | G♯, A |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 4, 6, 7 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6, 7 | B♯, C♯, D |
Box 3 · frets 9–12
C♯ gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C♯ on the E string at fret 9 up to F♯ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the E string at fret 9 and the D string at fret 11.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10 | C♯, D |
| 3 (A) | 9, 11, 12 | F♯, G♯, A |
| 2 (D) | 10, 11, 12 | B♯, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 11 | E♯, F♯ |
Why it sounds like that
C♯ gypsy major is derived from C♯ phrygian dominant by raising the seventh degree B to B♯. This alteration produces a leading tone and an augmented second between A and B♯. Compare with C♯ phrygian dominant to hear the difference. The intervals are 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7.
When to use it
C♯ gypsy major works over C♯ major or C♯ 5th chords. It is common in metal and fusion for its exotic color. Try it over C♯ major or C♯ 5th progressions.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root is on string 3, fret 4, and the pattern spans frets 1–4. It is good for low-register lines and prepares for Box 2.
Common questions
What notes are in C♯ gypsy major?
The notes are C♯, D, E♯, F♯, G♯, A, and B♯. It has a flat second, major third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, flat sixth, and major seventh. The scale is also called Byzantine. It is also spelled D♭ in enharmonic notation for the same sounding root.
Which chords fit C♯ gypsy major?
The tonic chord is C♯ major or C♯ 5th. The fifth degree chord is G♯ 7th flat 5. Use it over dominant sounds in C♯.
How is C♯ gypsy major different from C♯ phrygian dominant?
C♯ gypsy major has a major seventh, B♯, while C♯ phrygian dominant has a minor seventh, B. That single change gives a stronger pull to the tonic. The rest of the notes are identical.