Explore scales · Bass
E hungarian major scale on bass guitar
E Hungarian major uses E, G, G♯, B♭, B, C♯, D. Box 1 places the root on string 3, fret 7 for a low position.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭3, 3, ♭5, 5, 6, ♭7
How do you play the E hungarian major scale on bass?
E hungarian major in box 1 runs from fret 0 to fret 3, 9 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 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, 3 | E, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 2 | B♭, B |
| 2 (D) | 0, 2 | D, E |
| 1 (G) | 0, 1, 3 | G, G♯, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
E hungarian major in box 2 runs from fret 3 to fret 6, 10 notes across 4 strings, from G on the E string at fret 3 up to C♯ on the G string at fret 6. No root falls inside this box; it sits between two of them.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 4, 6 | G, G♯, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5 | C♯, D |
| 2 (D) | 5, 6 | G, G♯ |
| 1 (G) | 3, 4, 6 | B♭, B, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 6–9
E hungarian major in box 3 runs from fret 6 to fret 9, 10 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 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, 9 | B♭, B, C♯ |
| 3 (A) | 7 | E |
| 2 (D) | 6, 8, 9 | G♯, B♭, B |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7, 9 | C♯, D, E |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
E hungarian major in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 10 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 E string at fret 12 and the G string at fret 9.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 9, 10, 12 | C♯, D, E |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11 | G, G♯ |
| 2 (D) | 9, 11, 12 | B, C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 9, 12 | E, G |
Why it sounds like that
E Hungarian major lowers the second degree of E acoustic to G. Compare it to E acoustic to hear the half-step shift. Intervals run 1, ♭3, 3, ♭5, 5, 6, ♭7, creating a major-minor hybrid. The ♭3 and 3 sit side by side, giving the scale its characteristic bite.
When to use it
Use it over E major or E minor chords when you want a sharp, exotic color. The ♭5 adds tension over the tonic, and the ♭7 suits dominant sounds. Try it in fusion or progressive rock. See E major and E minor.
Which position to practise
Practise Box 1 first. It covers frets 0–3 and keeps the root on string 3, fret 7, making it easy to anchor phrases.
Common questions
Which notes make E Hungarian major different from E major?
E Hungarian major has a ♭3 and ♭5 instead of the natural 3 and perfect 5. The ♭3 is G and the ♭5 is B♭. These alterations give the scale its dark, exotic character.
Can I play E Hungarian major over an E minor chord?
Yes, the ♭3 fits the minor quality, but the major 3 adds dissonance. Use it briefly for color. The ♭5 also clashes with the perfect fifth in the chord.
What chords work with E Hungarian major?
The tonic chord can be E major or E minor. The scale also fits over G major, G minor, and G♯ diminished. The ♭5 degree suggests a 7♭5 chord on B♭.