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F gypsy major scale on bass guitar
F gypsy major uses F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, E. Box 1 places the root at string 4, fret 1 for a low start.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the F gypsy major scale on bass?
F gypsy major in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 10 notes across 4 strings, from F on the E string at fret 1 up to B♭ on the G string at fret 3. The root falls on the E string at fret 1 and the D string at fret 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 2 | F, G♭ |
| 3 (A) | 1, 3, 4 | B♭, C, D♭ |
| 2 (D) | 2, 3, 4 | E, F, G♭ |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 5–8
F gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 9 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to D♭ on the G string at fret 6. The root falls on the A string at fret 8.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6, 8 | A, B♭, C |
| 3 (A) | 7, 8 | E, F |
| 2 (D) | 7, 8 | A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 5, 6 | C, D♭ |
Box 3 · frets 8–11
F gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 8 to fret 11, 10 notes across 4 strings, from C on the E string at fret 8 up to G♭ on the G string at fret 11. The root falls on the A string at fret 8 and the G string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 8, 9 | C, D♭ |
| 3 (A) | 8, 9 | F, G♭ |
| 2 (D) | 8, 10, 11 | B♭, C, D♭ |
| 1 (G) | 9, 10, 11 | E, F, G♭ |
Why it sounds like that
F gypsy major is formed from F phrygian dominant by raising the seventh degree E♭ to E. This introduces a leading tone and an augmented second between D♭ and E. Compare with F phrygian dominant to hear the difference. The intervals are 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7.
When to use it
F gypsy major works over F major or F 5th chords. It suits aggressive styles like metal and progressive rock. Use it with F major or F 5th for a dark, exotic sound.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root is on string 4, fret 1, and the pattern stays within frets 1–4. It is ideal for low-register lines and connects to Box 2 at fret 3.
Common questions
What notes are in F gypsy major?
The notes are F, G♭, A, B♭, C, D♭, and E. The scale has a flat second, major third, perfect fourth, perfect fifth, flat sixth, and major seventh. It is also called Byzantine.
Which chords fit F gypsy major?
The tonic chord is F major or F 5th. The fifth degree chord is C 7th flat 5. Use it over dominant progressions in F.
How is F gypsy major different from F phrygian dominant?
F gypsy major has a major seventh, E, while F phrygian dominant has a minor seventh, E♭. That change creates a leading tone and a different resolution. The remaining notes are the same.