Explore scales · Bass
G gypsy major scale on bass guitar
G gypsy major uses G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, F♯. Box 1 places the root at string 4, fret 3 for a low start.
How it is built
Formula 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7
How do you play the G gypsy major scale on bass?
G gypsy major in box 1 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 5. The root falls on the E string at fret 3 and the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 3, 4 | G, A♭ |
| 3 (A) | 3, 5, 6 | C, D, E♭ |
| 2 (D) | 4, 5, 6 | F♯, G, A♭ |
| 1 (G) | 4, 5 | B, C |
Box 2 · frets 7–10
G gypsy major in box 2 runs from fret 7 to fret 10, 9 notes across 4 strings, from B on the E string at fret 7 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the A string at fret 10.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 7, 8, 10 | B, C, D |
| 3 (A) | 9, 10 | F♯, G |
| 2 (D) | 9, 10 | B, C |
| 1 (G) | 7, 8 | D, E♭ |
Box 3 · frets 10–13
G gypsy major in box 3 runs from fret 10 to fret 13, 10 notes across 4 strings, from D on the E string at fret 10 up to A♭ on the G string at fret 13. The root falls on the A string at fret 10 and the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 10, 11 | D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 11 | G, A♭ |
| 2 (D) | 10, 12, 13 | C, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 11, 12, 13 | F♯, G, A♭ |
Why it sounds like that
G gypsy major is derived from G phrygian dominant by raising the seventh degree F to F♯. This alteration produces a leading tone and an augmented second between E♭ and F♯. Compare with G phrygian dominant to hear the change. The intervals are 1, ♭2, 3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7.
When to use it
G gypsy major works over G major or G 5th chords. It is common in metal and fusion for its exotic color. Try it over G major or G 5th progressions.
Which position to practise
Learn Box 1 first: the root is on string 4, fret 3, and the pattern stays within frets 3–6. It is ideal for low-register lines and connects to Box 2 at fret 3.
Common questions
What notes are in G gypsy major?
The notes are G, A♭, B, C, D, E♭, and F♯. 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 G gypsy major?
The tonic chord is G major or G 5th. The fifth degree chord is D 7th flat 5. Use it over dominant progressions in G.
How is G gypsy major different from G phrygian dominant?
G gypsy major has a major seventh, F♯, while G phrygian dominant has a minor seventh, F. That change creates a leading tone and a different resolution. The remaining notes are the same.