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G hungarian gypsy scale on bass guitar
G Hungarian Gypsy scale contains G, A, B♭, C♯, D, E♭, F. Box 1 places the root on string 4, fret 3 and string 2, fret 5.
How it is built
Formula 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, ♭7
How do you play the G hungarian gypsy scale on bass?
G hungarian gypsy in box 1 runs from fret 1 to fret 4, 8 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 3.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 1, 3 | F, G |
| 3 (A) | 1, 4 | B♭, C♯ |
| 2 (D) | 1, 3 | E♭, F |
| 1 (G) | 2, 3 | A, B♭ |
Box 2 · frets 3–6
G hungarian gypsy 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. 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, 5, 6 | G, A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 4, 5, 6 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 2 (D) | 3, 5 | F, G |
| 1 (G) | 3, 6 | B♭, C♯ |
Box 3 · frets 5–8
G hungarian gypsy in box 3 runs from fret 5 to fret 8, 11 notes across 4 strings, from A on the E string at fret 5 up to E♭ on the G string at fret 8. The root falls on the D string at fret 5.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 5, 6 | A, B♭ |
| 3 (A) | 5, 6, 8 | D, E♭, F |
| 2 (D) | 5, 7, 8 | G, A, B♭ |
| 1 (G) | 6, 7, 8 | C♯, D, E♭ |
Box 4 · frets 9–12
G hungarian gypsy in box 4 runs from fret 9 to fret 12, 9 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 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) | 9, 10, 11 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 3 (A) | 10, 12 | G, A |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12 | C♯, D |
| 1 (G) | 10, 12 | F, G |
Box 5 · frets 11–14
G hungarian gypsy in box 5 runs from fret 11 to fret 14, 9 notes across 4 strings, from E♭ on the E string at fret 11 up to A on the G string at fret 14. The root falls on the G string at fret 12.
Every note in this box, string by string
| String | Frets | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 (E) | 11, 13 | E♭, F |
| 3 (A) | 12, 13 | A, B♭ |
| 2 (D) | 11, 12, 13 | C♯, D, E♭ |
| 1 (G) | 12, 14 | G, A |
Why it sounds like that
G Hungarian Gypsy scale is G natural minor with the fourth degree raised from C to C♯. Compare it to G natural minor. The raised fourth creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.
When to use it
G Hungarian Gypsy scale fits G minor and G 5th chords. Use it in G minor progressions that include D major or D7. 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 3, and the pattern covers frets 1–4. This box keeps the C♯ within reach on string 3, fret 4.
Common questions
What notes are in G Hungarian Gypsy scale?
G Hungarian Gypsy scale contains G, A, B♭, C♯, D, E♭, and F. The degrees are 1, 2, ♭3, ♯4, 5, ♭6, and ♭7. The ♯4 is the characteristic raised fourth.
Which chords does G Hungarian Gypsy scale fit?
G Hungarian Gypsy scale fits G minor and G 5th chords. The ♯4 (C♯) can also outline a D major or D7 chord. Use it over progressions in G minor that include D major.
Is G Hungarian Gypsy scale the same as G natural minor?
G Hungarian Gypsy scale differs from G natural minor by one note: the fourth degree is raised from C to C♯. This creates a diminished fifth from the root and an augmented fifth from the second degree.