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D hungarian gypsy scale on bass guitar
D Hungarian Gypsy scale contains D, E, F, G♯, A, B♭, C. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the D hungarian gypsy scale on bass?
D hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 11 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the D string at fret 0.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 1 | E, F |
| 3 (A) | 0, 1, 3 | A, B♭, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2, 3 | D, E, F |
| 1 (G) | 1, 2, 3 | G♯, A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 4–7
D hungarian gypsy in box 2 runs from fret 4 to fret 7, 9 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 5 and the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 4, 5, 6 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 7 | D, E |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7 | G♯, A |
| 1 (G) | 5, 7 | C, D |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
D hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B♭ on the E string at fret 6 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the G string at fret 7.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 8 | B♭, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 2 (D) | 6, 7, 8 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
D hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 8 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to F on the G string at fret 10. The root falls on the E string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 3 (A) | 8, 11 | F, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10 | B♭, C |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10 | E, F |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
D hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G♯ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the E string at fret 10 and the D string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12, 13 | D, E, F |
| 3 (A) | 11, 12, 13 | G♯, A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 13 | F, G♯ |
Why it sounds like that
D Hungarian Gypsy scale is D natural minor with the fourth degree raised from G to G♯. Compare it to D natural minor. The raised fourth creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.
When to use it
D Hungarian Gypsy scale fits D minor and D 5th chords. Use it in D minor progressions that include A major or A7. 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 5, and the pattern covers frets 0–3. This box keeps the G♯ within reach on string 2, fret 6.
Common questions
What notes are in D Hungarian Gypsy scale?
D Hungarian Gypsy scale contains D, E, F, G♯, A, B♭, and C. The degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. The ♯4 is the characteristic raised fourth.
Which chords does D Hungarian Gypsy scale fit?
D Hungarian Gypsy scale fits D minor and D 5th chords. The ♯4 (G♯) can also outline an A major or A7 chord. Use it over progressions in D minor that include A major.
Is D Hungarian Gypsy scale the same as D natural minor?
D Hungarian Gypsy scale differs from D natural minor by one note: the fourth degree is raised from G to G♯. This creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.