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