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E hungarian gypsy scale on bass guitar
E Hungarian Gypsy scale contains E, F♯, G, A♯, B, C, D. Box 1 places the root on string 2, fret 2.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the E hungarian gypsy scale on bass?
E hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 10 notes across 4 strings, from E on the E string at fret 0 up to A♯ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 0 and the D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 0, 2, 3 | E, F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2, 3 | A♯, B, C |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 3 | G, A♯ |
Box 2 · frets 2–5
E hungarian gypsy in box 2 runs from fret 2 to fret 5, 11 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 D string at fret 2.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 2, 3 | F♯, G |
| 3 (A) | 2, 3, 5 | B, C, D |
| 2 (D) | 2, 4, 5 | E, F♯, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4, 5 | A♯, B, C |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A♯ on the E string at fret 6 up to E on the G string at fret 9. The root falls on the A string at fret 7 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 6, 7, 8 | A♯, B, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 9 | E, F♯ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9 | A♯, B |
| 1 (G) | 7, 9 | D, E |
Box 4 · frets 8–11
E hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 9 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 G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 10 | C, D |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10 | F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 8, 9, 10 | A♯, B, C |
| 1 (G) | 9, 11 | E, F♯ |
Box 5 · frets 10–13
E hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 8 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to G on the G string at fret 12. The root falls on the E string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 12 | D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 13 | G, A♯ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12 | C, D |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12 | F♯, G |
Why it sounds like that
E Hungarian Gypsy scale is E natural minor with the fourth degree raised from A to A♯. Compare it to E natural minor. The raised fourth creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.
When to use it
E Hungarian Gypsy scale fits E minor and E 5th chords. Use it in E minor progressions that include B major or B7. The raised fourth suits Eastern European folk and fusion lines.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first: the root sits on string 2, fret 2, and the pattern covers frets 0–3. This box keeps the A♯ within reach on string 1, fret 3.
Common questions
What notes are in E Hungarian Gypsy scale?
E Hungarian Gypsy scale contains E, F♯, G, A♯, B, C, and D. The degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. The ♯4 is the characteristic raised fourth.
Which chords does E Hungarian Gypsy scale fit?
E Hungarian Gypsy scale fits E minor and E 5th chords. The ♯4 (A♯) can also outline a B major or B7 chord. Use it over progressions in E minor that include B major.
Is E Hungarian Gypsy scale the same as E natural minor?
E Hungarian Gypsy scale differs from E natural minor by one note: the fourth degree is raised from A to A♯. This creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.